The international coaching work of the Institute for Youth Soccer once again delivered strong impulses. During his five-day seminar tour through Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing, Peter Schreiner presented key elements of modern development philosophy: FUNino, small-sided games, Skillshirtz, two-footed training, rondos, and positional play. These topics formed the foundation of all theory and practical sessions – always connected to the daily realities of youth and children’s soccer training.
Overview of the trip
Three cities, five seminar days, and excellent organization by Yichen Wu ensured smooth processes and ideal learning conditions.
The proven structure remained the same at all locations:
- 2 hours of theory: background, model examples, coaching points
- 2 hours of practice: direct on-field application with many examples
Seminar topics – briefly explained and practically deepened
FUNino
FUNino is a modern game format for children’s soccer that boosts touches on the ball, dribbling, goals, and creativity.
With small teams (3 vs. 3) and four goals, the game becomes fast and dynamic. Schreiner showed how simple variations can accelerate technical and tactical development—ideal for U7 and U9 age groups.
Small-sided Games
Small-sided games are the core of development-oriented training. They encourage perception, decision-making, 1-on-1 courage, and enjoyment of play.
Schreiner demonstrated numerous setups that can be organized quickly and create intense, motivating sessions.
Skillshirtz
Skillshirtz is a method using colors, numbers, or symbols to improve reaction speed, perception, and creativity.
Players constantly process new cues, orient themselves, and make fast decisions—an approach gaining worldwide importance.
Two-Footed Development
A special focus was placed on improving the weaker foot. Schreiner presented simple but effective drills to train both sides of technical skills—especially dribbling, passing, and shooting.
The main idea: the earlier players learn to use both feet, the more creative and unpredictable they become.
Rondos
Rondos form the basis of modern combination play. They train passing quality, resistance to pressing, decision-making, and game intelligence.
Coaches received specific coaching points to turn basic rondos into true “thinking schools”—including age-appropriate variations.
Positional Play
Positional play teaches principles like triangle formation, open body shape, passing angles, space recognition, and creating overloads.
Schreiner explained how to introduce these tactical foundations through game-like activities without overwhelming young players.
Detailed itinerary
16 November 2025 – Shanghai
Topics: FUNino, Skillshirtz, small-sided games
The focus was on child-oriented training. Many examples and variations helped coaches see how to boost creativity and enjoyment in young players.
17 November 2025 – Shenzhen & Visit to Eintracht Frankfurt Academy
A valuable exchange about modern youth development with Academy Director Christian Schweichler.
Impressive: the high professionalism of the facility and the blend of German training standards with Chinese youth development.
18 November 2025 – Shenzhen
Topics: Two-footed development, rondos, positional play
Coaches gained new ideas for structured technical and tactical improvement—always with lots of ball contact and clear coaching cues.
19 November 2025 – Shenzhen
Topics: Small-sided games, FUNino, Skillshirtz
A very practice-oriented day with many session formats ready to apply immediately.
Evening flight to Chongqing.
20 November 2025 – Chongqing
Topics: Small-sided games, FUNino, Skillshirtz
The organization was highly professional with a great atmosphere.
In the evening, a cultural highlight: a Yangtze River boat tour with views of the famous cliff houses.
21 November 2025 – Chongqing
Topics: Two-footed development, rondos, positional play
For the final day, Schreiner combined technical and tactical training into coherent game-based formats—ideal for players transitioning to performance-oriented age groups.
Evening return flight to Germany.
Conclusion & Outlook
The seminar series was a great success and clearly shows the strong international demand for modern, game-oriented concepts in youth soccer. It reinforces the international mission of the Institute for Youth Soccer.
A follow-up event in Chongqing is already being planned.
Methods such as FUNino, Skillshirtz, small-sided games, rondos, and positional play will continue to play a central role in future seminars.