Pitches across Scotland will be a flurry of activity this weekend as small-sided games return to the football calendar.

For three of Villa Park's age groups that means 7-a-side matches with the 2015s, 2016s and 2017s all set to kick-off as a septet.

Matthew Purser’s talented squad of 2018s begin their year of Super 5s, hoping to sharpen their shooting against goalkeepers for the first time.

It will be chaos, curiosity and Cruyff turns for Ross Hamilton’s fledgling group of 2020s when they are introduced to Fun 4s, while the 2019s - experienced in comparison - start their second year at the smallest format.

And while the youngest VP outfit are only just beginning their small-sided journey, the 2014s - led by Jillian and Kevin Clark - are coming to the end of theirs; in the coming weeks, their under-12s will make the move from 9-a-side to 11-a-side.

Whatever the age and whatever the format, we wish all of our players and coaches the very best of luck for the new season.