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4v4: Are Your Players Getting the Touches They Need?
Inside: how small-sided games boost development, our 2026 4v4 events (including a NEW one), and spotlights on WCL Celtic, NUU 16 Gunners, and Twin Tiers AA.
Colin Gorini
January 13, 2026
Good morning,
My goal with every email is simple: to share my passion for youth soccer and the community that makes it thrive.
I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love to hear your feedback.
Coach’s Corner: Small-Sided Games = Big Development
US Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer’s small-sided game research shows just how powerful 4v4 is: U10 players average 4.3 touches per minute in 4v4 vs. 0.37 in 11v11, and get 260% more decision opportunities in small-sided formats. That means more reps on the ball and more live decisions every session. (Smith, Axe Men Football)
On top of that, small-sided games raise heart rates 15–20% higher than traditional drills, so you’re building fitness, technique, and soccer IQ at the same time.
Practical takeaways for coaches:
Build 15–20 minutes of 4v4 or 5v5 into every practice.
Add simple conditions (2-touch, one-two before scoring) to target specific skills.
Circle at least one UnitedGoals USA 4v4 tournament on your calendar this year (we currently have four scheduled) to give your team a real-game small-sided environment.
Parents’ Corner: Why 4v4 Is So Good for Your Child
For kids, 4v4 isn’t a “mini” version of soccer—it’s where they touch the ball more, make more decisions, and stay fully involved. Research on small-sided games shows more goals, more actions, and higher enjoyment than in full 11v11, where many players go long stretches without a touch.
Psychologically, that matters. Frequent touches and chances to succeed build confidence and help kids love playing, not just endure it. When you see 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 at practice or in UnitedGoals USA events, know it’s designed to give your player the right-sized field, the right number of teammates, and the best chance to grow.
NEW: 2026 Border Battle Shootout | April 11 | Athens, PA
 | Speaking of 4v4—we’re excited to add another event to our 2026 schedule: the Border Battle Shootout on April 11 in Athens, PA. This one-day 4v4 tournament gives U8–U16 boys and girls teams from Northern PA and Upstate NY a fast, fun spring tune-up while supporting Twin Tiers Athletic Association and Athens Soccer. Click Learn More to see pricing and registration details. |
Girls Team of the Week: WCL Celtic - U10 Girls
WCL Celtic entered a wide-open U10 girls division at last year’s 4v4 Lyco Legends Shootout (now the 4v4 Clover Cup) and took control. They finished 4–0 on the day, including two tight one-goal wins over Team Inferno from West Branch SC to secure the championship. Way to go, ladies! |
Boys Team of the Week: NU United 16 Gunners - U10 Boys
NUU United’s 16 Gunners battled through a tough Fall 2025 NorCenPenn season, but came into the Veterans Day Freedom Cup unfazed. They won both group games comfortably, beat Wellsboro 3–0 in the semifinal, and then toppled NEU’s 16 Hornets 4–1 in the final—a team that had beaten them 7–0 in the regular season and won the league. Outstanding job, Gunners! |
Nominate Your Team for a Spotlight
We feature two programs every week — reply with your team’s story.
Community Spotlight: Twin Tiers Athletic Association
Twin Tiers Athletic Association is a nonprofit working to expand sports, wellness, and recreation opportunities for families in the Athens, Sayre, and Waverly area. Their long-term vision is to build a multi-use sports and community center that gives local kids a safe, high-quality place to play, train, and grow close to home.
We’re proud to support that mission through the 2026 Border Battle Shootout, a fast-paced 4v4 youth soccer tournament in Athens, PA bringing together teams from Northern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Twin Tiers Athletic Association and Athens Soccer, helping move their facility plans forward and grow the game in the region.
Join Us in Growing the Game
If you know a coach, parent, player, or fan who would enjoy this, please forward it along and invite them to subscribe.
And if you ever want to share feedback, reply to this email — I read every response.
Here’s to Building American Soccer Together.
Warmly,
Colin Gorini
Founder, UnitedGoals USA
[email protected]
unitedgoalsusa.com
