Ontario Soccer is pleased to announce the completion of the Under-8 (U8) Corner Kick Pilot Project Report, conducted in partnership with Southwest Soccer. This initiative explored the potential benefits of introducing modified corner kicks at the Under-8 level, focusing on their impact on player behaviour, match flow, and overall development outcomes. 

Ten (10) clubs participated in the festival season and pilot project with one (1) to eight (8) teams from each club. Ten (10) clubs with player pools that created twenty-four (24) match day teams. From these player pools and twenty-four (24) match day teams, there were approximately 236 players who participated in the U8 festival season with Southwest Soccer. 

Pilot Project – Key Recommendations: 

Ontario Soccer is encouraged to review the following recommendations for potential implementation:

• Terminology Update: Change "kick-in" to "pass-in" in small-sided laws to reduce aerial balls and promote better technical development. 
• Further Data Collection: Study the impact of consistent corner kick rules over a full festival season, additional focus on dribble-in/pass-in placement and goal kick timing.
• A-Frames for Ball Containment: Consider placing A-Frames behind goals and sidelines to prevent ball interference and increase active playtime, with a review of safety implications as well as local business development opportunities for clubs. 
• Coach Education: Continue to provide training on dribble-in/pass-in use, skill development over winning, positive reinforcement, and child development. 

These steps aim to improve game flow, player learning, and overall enjoyment at the U8 level. 

The full report outlines significant findings, feedback from participants, and recommendations for potential adjustments to Ontario Soccer’s Small-Sided Laws of the Game. 

To access the full report, please visit the Ontario Soccer website here. 

Next Steps – Phase Two 

Ontario Soccer has reviewed the findings and recommendations from the completed pilot project and will now launch Phase Two to build on the initial study. This next phase will further assess how corner kicks influence game flow, player decision-making, and skill development at the U8 level. 

Phase Two will introduce corner kick placement five (5) yards down the sideline from the corner for an entire season. This adjustment aims to evaluate restart efficiency and match dynamics over a full competition cycle, providing a more comprehensive comparison to the previously tested half-season introduction. 

Who Can Participate? 

Districts running a U8 Festival season interested in participating must meet the following criteria: 

• Age Group: U8 Boys and Girls 
• Commitment: Implement the pilot format for a full season 
• Game Footage: Record and share a minimum of four boys’ and four girls’ matches with Ontario Soccer 
• Feedback: Coaches, players and parents will provide insights through short surveys 
• Coach Education: Attend a webinar on the adapted rules led by Ontario Soccer 
• Match Official Education: Participate in a webinar on officiating the adapted format  

Why Participate? 

By joining this pilot, your district and clubs will help shape evidence-based improvements to U8 game formats in Ontario, ensuring they best support player development and game evolution. 

If your district is interested in participating, please complete the form below. Ontario Soccer will follow up with implementation details and reporting expectations. APPLY HERE.

Acknowledgements 

Ontario Soccer extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, including players, coaches, clubs, match officials, district representatives, and parents/guardians, for their cooperation and contributions. Special thanks go to Southwest Soccer, Cambridge Youth Soccer for their support throughout the pilot project. 

For questions or further information, please contact Cameron Oliver, Coordinator, Player Development.