Swapping players between 3 teams

We have three teams of U8 that play in different leagues all with different skill levels. Is it better to train the three teams seperately so they bond and play as a team or would you swap players around each week.which could mean a league 5 player playing in league 2. Could this knock his confidence?

Hi Andy,

According to my experience, it is not a good idea to rotate players from one team to another. It is always advisable to have the players of a team to train and play in one level. If they play in a higher level, then they could not make it and this may cause depression and frustration. On the other hand, if a player plays in a lower level, that may affect his behaviour against his team-mates who may still have abilities of lower level. Moreover, a player who plays in a lower level doesn't have anything to gain.

It is not bad to move a player to a higher level, something that you can use as motivation, providing that he shows real progress. But again, if you do it, you must try to keep him there and not bring him back. That would be a false educational and pedagogical method.

I hope it would help a little.
Kosmakis

I share your pain Andy, things are a little different here in Wales, the FAW are really taking mini football and junior football seriously.  I currently share coaching responsibilities with another coach for our 2 under 8's sides we dont have leagues at this age but do have fixtures every sunday.  I have pushed a little bit to mix the teams up as I feel that our original setup of an A and B team is detrimental at this age.  The boys will be playing together in 11 aside at 11 and as such should be used to each other by then, at the moment they play 5 a side with no goalies not sure how you guys are set up.  I like the idea of keeping the team fresh and there really is a gulf between the abilities from the good to not so good but I do believe that the good players have a postive effect on the 'lesser' players ie show them how to play....I have however seen the better players at the age of 7 and 8 act like superstars because they are told they are half decent.  It is so difficult at this age and i applaud anyone coaching mini football as its a minefield give me seniors anyday.