What is Funino?

Funino is made up of the English "fun" and the Spanish "niño" (=child). It is a type of football game that is specifically aimed at children and aims to develop their football skills in a playful, pressure-free environment. Funino is said to have been developed by German coach Horst Wein. It stands for a method in children's football that emphasises enjoyment of the game, creativity and the development of technical skills.

Definition and basic principles

Funino is played on a small pitch with four goals, two at each end. It follows the 3-on-3 format with no fixed goalkeepers, which means that all players actively participate in the game and play different positions and roles. This structure encourages a high number of ball contacts, quick decision making and a variety of game situations, which are crucial for the growth and development of young talent.

Game mode features

The unique feature of Funino is its two mini goals per side of the pitch, which encourages children to shoot more accurately and distribute the ball more effectively. The lack of a fixed goalkeeper means that everyone on the pitch is required to think and act both offensively and defensively, which promotes a comprehensive understanding of the game. The smaller team size and reduced pitch also favours more intense social interactions and a stronger team spirit.

Advantages of Funino in children's football

Funino offers numerous advantages for development. Firstly, it allows more contact with the ball and therefore more individual playing time, which improves confidence and technical skills. Secondly, the game mode supports the development of strategic and tactical understanding as players are constantly forced to make decisions. Thirdly, Funino encourages creativity and problem solving on the field as children have to find different ways to use the two mini goals and overcome the defence.

Conclusion

Funino represents a significant departure from traditional approaches to children's football by shifting the focus from competition and performance to fun, learning and personal development. Through its innovative structure and playing philosophy, Funino provides an effective platform for young talent to improve their football skills in a supportive and developmental environment.