It is worth asking whether assigning one player to the halfway line at U12 is serving their development or just the coach's desire for safety. At this age, the principle we want is balance and defensive awareness, not just rigid positioning. When a player is fixed to a role, they miss the chance to learn the timing of supporting an attack or tracking a runner back. I’d suggest rotating this responsibility among the group. It teaches everyone the importance of 'holding the space' rather than just 'staying back.' Use the next few matches to let different players experience that perspective—it builds a better understanding of why we leave someone deep in the first place, rather than just feeling left out of the fun. If they understand the 'why,' the job becomes a tactical challenge rather than a boring chore.
