After a successful introductory season, phase 2 of the implementation of Optus Small-Sided Football (the new name for Small-Sided Games) in Metropolitan Melbourne will see the introduction of the nationally consistent playing formats up to the under 10's age group.

Information regarding this next phase was presented at five information sessions across the metropolitan area over the past month. The general response from club members and parents was positive, with the majority understanding the need to move to the consistent playing formats sooner rather than later and the benefits of playing in the new, smaller environments.

The presentation can be downloaded by clicking here

Key information presented at the sessions included:

- A review of the 2008 season and research findings

- List of services provided by FFA and FFV to assist in the transition to Optus Small-Sided Football

- Optus Small-Sided Football U6's and U8's to play in a similar format to the 2008 year (intra club 'program' structure with club hubs and club vs club gala days included)

- U10's introduced to the new playing formats in 2009 in a club vs club format. Similar structure to the previous Rooball format with the major changes in the playing formats.

- When forming squads, grading of players is strongly recommended. Squads should be formed based on individual ability, not age. For example, an 8 year old footballer that is dominating in the 5 v 5 version of the game should have the opportunity to play in the 7 v 7 version against 9 and 10 year olds. It is also acceptable for a 10 year old footballer to play in the U8's and the 5 v 5 version if they are struggling to get into the game at U10's level.

- FFV fees for U5's - U8's are $55/participant and $60/participant in the U10's. No team fees apply anymore at U10’s, saving clubs $50/team.

FFV staff understands the complexity of the job at hand and are dedicated to assisting our members make a smooth transition to the new playing formats. We appreciate the support of our members as together we work to make the game of football as enjoyable as possible for young people and produce better technical players who will one day don the green and gold.

More information will be available in the Optus Small-Sided Football Guidelines for Metropolitan clubs which will be released by the end of the year.

FFV wishes to thank National Participation Manager John Boulous and Former Socceroo Alistair Edwards for their ongoing support and assistance at a number of Optus Small-Sided Football Information Sessions. Edwards held a practical demonstration of the U10’s playing formats at Bentleigh Greens with over 80 club representatives and parents getting a first look at how football will be played across the country next year. 

 

Small-Sided Football provides an enjoyable participation experience for young people of all abilities with a major focus on skill development through freedom of expression, minimal coaching, and limited emphasis on the scoreboard. 
 

Small-Sided Football (SSF) is a modified version of the game designed to meet the needs of players aged 5 - 12.  The smaller sized fields with fewer numbers of players per team encourages more touches on the ball and opportunities for more goals to be scored. 

 

 

These resources are provided by Football Federation Australia (FFA) to help clubs and parents understand the concept of SSG

 Click here for the SSG National Handbook

 

 Click here for the SSG Parent Information Flyer

 

 Click here for the Promotional Poster

 

 Click here for the DVD: http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/video/ssg/  

  

The SSG’s formats are NATIONALLY CONSISTENT.

 

Formats for kids aged 5 - 10 will be implemented in 2009 in Metropolitan Melbourne.

The implementation of these formats at clubs and Associations across Regional Victoria varies, with ALL areas introducing the SSF formats up to U8's and some implemeting the formats up to U12's. Check with your local regional Association for further details.

 

 Guidelines for Metropolitan Melbourne clubs will be available by the end of the 2008 year.

Regional clubs should check with their regional Associations for details.    

  

 

Click here to view an example SSF session 

 

 

The staged implementation of SSG is a key initiative of the Talent Development and Identification Review (TDIR). The TDIR can be viewed in detail in the National Football Development Plan 2008 - 2011 which is currently available to download from the Football Australia website or by clicking on the following link: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/site/_content/document/00000540-source.pdf