We are U14 now but remeber the transition.

We started playing 11v11 in Fall of U12 about 75% of the time. In Spring of U12 we were 100% 11v11. That worked very well. When we play 8v8 during those 25% of games in the Fall, we dominated and found it boring and almost unfair for opponents. In 11v11 play we were more challenged, especially when playing up in tournaments. I do agree small sided is very important in practice to get maximum touches and work on the passing that trancends to the bigger pitch.