Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and is played from an early age in grassroots football.
In this article, we are going to talk about the main characteristics that make grassroots football a training and learning space for young footballers.
What is considered grassroots football?
Grassroots football refers to the practice of football at an early age, from the first years to adolescence. It is a space where children and young people can learn and develop skills and knowledge about football.
¿Cuántas categorías hay en el fútbol base?
The categories in grassroots football vary according to the country and the federation that regulates the sport. However, in general, the following categories can be found in children's football:
| Category | Age |
| Youth | 16, 17 and 18 years |
| Cadets | 14 and 15 years |
| Children's | 12 and 13 years |
| Fry | 10 and 11 years |
| Benjamins | 8 and 9 years |
| Prebenjamines | 5, 6 and 7 years |
- Prebenjamín (para niños y niñas entre 5 y 7 años)
This is the earliest category of grassroots football and focuses on introducing children to the world of football. Playful activities are carried out so that the children learn the fundamentals of football, such as running with the ball, passing and shooting. - Benjamín (para niños y niñas entre 8 y 9 años)
They continue to develop their basic skills at this level, but also begin to learn more advanced techniques, such as dribbling and dribbling. As the children grow and improve, the matches become more competitive. - Alevín (para niños y niñas entre 10 y 11 años)
In this category, they continue to improve their technical and tactical skills and begin to understand the importance of teamwork. Matches are more competitive and strategy plays an important role. - Infantil (para niños y niñas entre 12 y 13 años)
At the junior level, they are in full physical and mental development. The coaches focus on developing the individual and tactical skills of the players so that they can play in different positions. The matches are more intense and competitive. - Cadete (para jóvenes entre 14 y 15 años)
Youngsters in this category continue to hone their individual and tactical skills, and begin to play in more specialised positions. Training sessions are more demanding and matches are increasingly competitive. - Juvenil (para jóvenes entre 16 y 18 años)
Youth players are close to moving on to top-level football. Coaches focus on preparing players for high performance football, improving their technique, fitness and tactical understanding. Matches are highly competitive and played at a more advanced level.
It is important to note that these categories may vary from federation to federation and country to country, and that in some places additional categories may exist.
Objectives of grassroots football
The main objectives of grassroots football are the physical and psychological development of the players, the promotion of values and the training of future professionals.
Physical and psychological development:
Grassroots football is a space for the physical and psychological development of young people. Playing football can help children improve their coordination, flexibility, balance and physical endurance.
In addition, football can also contribute to improving self-esteem, self-control and teamwork.
Promotion of values:
Grassroots football is also a space for the promotion of values such as respect, solidarity, tolerance, humility and effort. These values are essential for the formation of upright and responsible people.
Training of future professionals:
Grassroots football also aims to train future football professionals. Playing football from an early age can contribute to the development of skills and knowledge that are necessary for success in professional football.
What are the characteristics of grassroots football?
Grassroots football has certain characteristics that differentiate it from professional football. The main characteristics of grassroots football are presented below.
Focus on training:
En el fútbol base, el enfoque principal está en la formación de los jugadores, más que en la obtención de resultados deportivos.
Los entrenadores tienen la responsabilidad de enseñar a los jugadores las habilidades y conocimientos necesarios para desarrollarse como futbolistas y como personas.
Matches adapted to age and level:
Los partidos de fútbol en el fútbol base se adaptan a la edad y nivel de los jugadores.
Esto significa que los partidos se juegan en campos más pequeños y con menos jugadores en las categorías inferiores.
Además, se utilizan balones más ligeros y se reducen los tiempos de juego.
More emphasis on technique than on the result:
In grassroots football, the emphasis is on the technical training of players. Coaches focus on teaching skills such as ball control, passing, dribbling and shooting. The result of the match is important, but not as important as the training and development of the players.
Less pressure to win:
In children's football, there is not as much pressure to win as in professional football. The players do not have to worry so much about the result of the match, but rather about their own development as footballers.
Rotation of players:
It is common for coaches to rotate players during matches. This allows all players the opportunity to play and develop as footballers.
If you are a football team, participating in grassroots football tournaments can be the key to long-term success. Grassroots tournaments are not only an opportunity to compete with teams from other schools, cities or even countries, but also an opportunity to improve as a team and develop important values such as teamwork, discipline and commitment.
In addition, tournaments are an excellent opportunity for the team to face different challenges, allowing them to adapt to different styles of play and improve their technique and strategy.
Participating in tournaments can also be an extra motivation for players, which can lead to increased team cohesion and greater commitment to long-term goals.
In our organisation, we care about the integral development of football teams. We offer a wide variety of grassroots football tournaments and tours adapted to different ages and levels.
Our tournaments focus on team building, promoting fair play, technique and sportsmanship.
Frequently asked questions about grassroots football:
What is the minimum age for playing grassroots football?
The minimum age for playing grassroots football depends on the category. Pre-benjamins can start playing from the age of 4.
Do you need experience to play grassroots football?
No previous experience is necessary to play grassroots football, as the idea is that young people learn to play football while having fun.
How many times a week do you train in football? base?
The frequency of training in grassroots football depends on the team and the category, but generally between two and three times a week.
How many matches are played in grassroots football?
The number of matches played in grassroots football depends on the category and the competition calendar, but generally between 20 and 30 matches are played per season.
How does grassroots football differ from professional football?
Grassroots football focuses on training the players, rather than on achieving sporting results. In addition, matches are adapted to the age and level of the players and there is less pressure to win.