FUNino - Rules and Objectives

We explain the rules and objectives of FUNino (FUNiño), look at the basics, and take a detailed look at this exciting competition format for youth soccer.

**FUNino – the goal is that every child can learn soccer in an age-appropriate way** (Photo: muzsy / Shutterstock.com)

What is FUNiño?

Most coaches have probably already heard of FUNino (FUNiño). The game formats developed by Horst Wein in 1990 are now considered one of the most discussed topics in children’s soccer. From 2024 onwards, these modified formats will replace the current competition structures. In the coming weeks, we will present detailed coverage of this topic. More information about Horst Wein can be found in our article – Horst Wein’s Legacy to Soccer.

Horst Wein was the founder of mini-soccer (FUNiño), which provides coaches worldwide with valuable insights for age-appropriate youth training. His favorite subject, the “development of game intelligence”, has influenced youth coaches in both hockey and soccer worldwide.

Objectives of FUNiño

In tailor-made competitions, young players at every stage of development can gradually understand and master the complex demands of soccer. The teaching and learning process follows a step-by-step approach with adapted tasks and conditions within small-sided games that preserve the core idea of play.

In each developmental stage, field size, goal size, scoring method, ball size, number of players, and the rules are adjusted to the age and skill level of the children.

Due to the frequent ball possession in mini-soccer—alongside technical skills—the perceptual ability that underpins game intelligence, the analysis of game situations, anticipation, spontaneity, imagination, and creativity are stimulated and gradually developed.

Horst Wein the inventor of FUNino together with Peter Schreiner (at Schalke 04) who introduced FUNino in Germany together with him.

Key Benefits of FUNiño

FUNiño encourages play down the wings. Like hardly any other format, it trains game intelligence and perception.
Players learn to analyze game situations and make smart tactical decisions. They are constantly challenged visually, mentally, and physically.
In FUNiño, players discover those behaviors—with and without the ball—that define the best soccer players in the world.
Youth coaches can quickly and precisely assess, analyze, and correct their players’ performance because the game situations are simplified.
Players learn very quickly in FUNiño because only a few nearly identical situations repeat over and over.
There are no fixed playing positions. As a result, all players are trained universally. Every player is a key actor in the game and has many touches on the ball.
Players treat the ball like their best friend—with love and feel. There is practically no wild kicking of the ball to clear dangerous situations.
The frequent use of triangle formations fosters communication and teamwork in both attack and defense.
FUNiño promotes player independence, as the game formats reduce the coaching by trainers and the influence of parents to the bare minimum.
Due to the reduced playing time, more games can be played in a single day. This allows players to become more familiar with handling both wins and losses.
Because of the smaller pitch size and the replacement of throw-ins and goal kicks with dribbling or passing the ball back in, headers are almost completely eliminated in FUNiño.

Rules of FUNiño

FUNiño does not have universally binding official rules. It can be played in many variations, which mostly share the following common features. Before each matchday/festival, the rules must be agreed upon by the coaches.

The Field

The standard FUNiño field measures 22 x 32 meters. However, a basketball court (14 x 26 m) or a handball court (20 x 40 m) is also suitable. The exact field sizes are determined by the league coordinators.
On each end line, two goals are placed, each with a maximum size of 2 x 1 meters. The distance between the goals is 12 meters, or 8 meters on a basketball court.
The penalty area, or shooting zone, is marked by a line running parallel to the end line, placed 6 meters from it.
On a handball court, the dotted shooting arcs serve as the shooting zone.
A goal is only valid if the shooter is inside the shooting zone at the moment of the shot.

Number of Players

It is recommended that each team consists of four players: three on the field and one rotation player. Clubs and coaches should be able to participate in match play regardless of squad size or minimum number of players. Game formats should be adaptable to the number of players, participants, and available field space. This ensures that even small teams or rosters can always take part.
After each goal, both teams substitute one player in a fixed order (rotation). Substitutions take place at the halfway line.
A rule violation during a substitution is punished with a penalty attack. (Note: this is rarely applied!)
If a team leads by more than 3 goals, the opposing team is allowed to bring their rotation player onto the field. The trailing team then plays with 4 players until they score the next goal.

3 vs. 3 rotation after a goal

Game Duration

At a FUNiño festival, up to 7 rounds are played, each with a maximum playing time of 10 minutes. The exact game durations should be agreed upon by the coaches/staff before the matchdays or festivals.
At existing FUNiño festivals, the “Champions League” format with 7 x 7 minutes (total playing time: 49 minutes) has proven successful.
In the Champions League format, teams are placed on fields 1 to 8 based on their (estimated) skill level. On a standard soccer field, this allows for a maximum of 8 fields – 32 goals – 16 teams.
Field 1 hosts the two strongest teams, while field 8 is for the beginner teams.
The winner on field 1 stays; on all other fields, the winner moves up one field closer to field 1.
The loser on field 8 stays; all other losers move down one field toward field 8.
A full matchday, including pre-match briefing, substitution breaks, and a closing ceremony, lasts a maximum of two hours.
A one-on-one match between two teams, according to Horst Wein, is played in 3 x 10-minute halves.

Technical Rules

The game begins with a Fair Play kick-off. One player passes the ball to an opponent, who immediately passes it back. This starts the first attack. When teams switch fields after a round, the team moving up begins with the Fair Play kick-off.
There is no offside, no corner kicks, and no standard penalty kicks.
A player may not remain on the goal line for more than 2 seconds to prevent a goal.
Free kicks are only awarded in midfield or in a team’s own shooting zone. The ball is put back into play either with a pass or by dribbling. Free kicks must always be taken at least 3 meters away from the opponent’s shooting zone, and all opposing players must be at least 3 meters from the ball.
When the ball goes out of play over the sideline or end line, it is returned to play with a pass or by dribbling. Again, all opponents must stay at least 3 meters away from the ball.
If a defender commits a rule violation in their own shooting zone, the opposing team is awarded a penalty attack.
On the signal of the game observer, an attacker dribbles the ball from the center of the field toward the shooting zone at one of the two opposing goals. The two goals are defended by one of the three defenders. After the referee’s signal, this defender starts from the goal line and tries to win the ball. At the same time, the remaining two defenders and the attacker’s two teammates start from an imaginary 5-meter line behind the ball to support in either attack or defense. The referee gives the start signal once all six players are in their positions.
If multiple penalty attacks occur during a game, players must take turns.

FUNino Penalty

Equipment

Ball sizes depend on age group (size 3 for youngest, up to size 5 for older youth).
Uniform: all four players in matching jerseys.
Shin guards recommended.