ABSTRACT
The popularity of small-sided soccer, as represented by 4–, 5– or 6-a-side games, has paralleled the development of sports centres in the United Kingdom. Indeed on Merseyside the popularity of this form of soccer has further manifested itself in many successfully organised tournaments and leagues; nationally the game has progressed to a highly sponsored, televised 6-a-side tournament in which top professional teams participate. Furthermore, most soccer clubs use small–sided games as an integral part of their training and fitness schedules.
