4v4 in Canada Victoria
2026 July 18 Sat 9am-5pm
@ Island Training Center
Canada's only international tournament for U12 players
This year, we are holding the tournament for the first time in Victoria, Canada. The winning team will be invited to the JAPAN CUP held in Japan. It is the only soccer tournament in Canada where winning allows you to compete in international tournaments!
4v4 is “an ultra-offensive, autonomy-focused 4-player soccer tournament created by Keisuke Honda to nurture children who can think and act independently through soccer.”
Concept
“Bringing the World of Soccer Tournaments to Every Child”
Fostering children’s autonomy, decision-making skills, and leadership
Increasing opportunities to touch the ball and participate in the game
Promoting growth through competitive matches where winning and losing matter.
Main Rules
10 MINUTE GAME
The game lasts only 10 minutes. Master unique rules and dramatic transitions in offense and defense lead you to victory
ATTACKING GOALKEEPER
The goalkeeper can also join the attack in possession, as shots are only taken after crossing the half-way line; the timing and strategy of the keeper joining the attack as the fourth field player is key to victory.
20 SECONDS SHOT CLOCK
A 20-second shot clock dramatically speeds up the development of the game. Experience a new, more aggressive football.
SCORE 2 OR 3 POINTS
In 4v4, shots from outside the penalty area are 2 points, and shots from inside are 3 points. Depending on the point difference, you can aim for a one-shot reversal. Don't give up until the end and aim for as many goals as possible.
DRIBBLING IN
After the ball comes out of the pitch, it is possible to resume the game by Dribbling-in. Grab an initiative of the game by taking careless opportunities of opponents, such as the timing of substitutions. You can't let your guard down even for a moment.
PLAY WITHOUT COACHES
No coaches, parents and officials other than two substitutions are allowed on the pitch. This means that the players have to take the lead in requesting substitutions or time-outs, or come up with their own tactics and solve problems independently.
Unique Scoring Rules
4v4 uses a scoring system different from standard soccer.
Goals scored from the opponent’s half: 2 points
Goals scored from within the penalty area: 3 points
This system is designed to encourage aggressive attacks and challenges.
Educational Value of 4v4
but as an educational program designed to foster:
Autonomy
Judgment
Communication Skills
Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Because there is no coach,
players gain experience discussing strategies
and solving problems among themselves during matches.
Supported by:
Felicia College of Childhood Education, Canada Office (Tokyo, Japan)
Dr. Koichi Haseyama, Lecturer, Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia
I am delighted to see this tournament come to fruition. Having previously organized a similar initiative as part of my own research, I have witnessed firsthand the significant educational value such opportunities offer. Beyond sport itself, initiatives like this foster children’s autonomy and nurture essential capacities such as communication, sound judgment, and collaborative action. More importantly, they remind us that children are not merely citizens of the future, but competent social actors and active citizens in the present whose perspectives and contributions matter. In this sense, the value of this tournament extends far beyond competition; it reflects a meaningful commitment to supporting children and strengthening the communities they help shape.— Koichi Haseyama, PhD