Ontario Soccer is pleased to announce an adjustment to the Adapted Laws of the Game to include a "Modified Corner Kick" at the grassroots level. The modification is designed to create a more developmentally appropriate scenario for young players and better support player development, learning and game flow in alignment with Ontario Soccer's Technical Development Plan and Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards.
What is the Modified Corner Kick?
For players in competition U9 and younger, the "goal-kick only" or "traditional corner kicks" are now replaced with the Modified Corner Kick to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds at the end line. Instead of kicking the ball directly from the corner arc, the ball is now placed 5 yards down the touchline from the corner. The player can then decide to "pass-in or "dribble-in" the ball from this point.
Why the change?
Ontario Soccer completed two years of research and observation of U8 matches in collaboration with Southwest Soccer and Peel Halton Soccer Association. The following results were found:
Goal-Kicks Only & Traditional Corner Kicks
- Extended stoppages
- Reduced ball-in-play time
- Confested restarts limiting decision-making options
- Increased adult intervention
- Deliberate kicking of ball out of play at end line to receive goal-kick
The Modified Corner Kick
- Encourages quicker restarts and continuous play
- Creates more attacking and defending decisions in open play
- Reduces crowding in goal area
- Supports developmentally approporiate learning outcomes (scanning, movement, passing options and pressing)
This change reinforces Ontario Soccer's commitment to player-centred, evidence-informed game design.
What is changing?
As mentioned previously, the restart will now be taken 5 yards along the touchline from the corner arc. The ball must be stationary before the restart can commence and opponents must retreat the minimum distance as outlined in the applicable Adapted Laws of the Game. Normal restart rules from dribble/pass-in apply after the ball is put into play.
Implementation
The Modified Corner Kick applies to any festivals, leagues and/or other competitions deisgnated for U9 and younger. Check out the resources below for more information:
Video Explainer for Match Officials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIgP2c_sAPY
Video Explainer for Parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7R3w0mzu8k
Also found on Ontario Soccer Website: https://www.ontariosoccer.net/player-development-pilot-projects
Ontario_Soccer_Modified_Corner_Kick_Summarized_Explainer.pdf
2024-2025_Modified_Corner_Kick_Pilot_Project_Report.pdf