Poster Small Sided Games Handbook Information Flyer
Referee Resource Game Leader Resource
What is Small Sided Games?
Small Sided Football is a modified form of 11-a-side football, designed to meet the needs of players between the under 6 and 11 age groups, who have very different developmental characteristics and needs to adult players. The philosophy of Small Sided Football focuses on enjoyment and freedom of expression with limited emphasis on coaching per se, particularly in the formative years of a player’s development. Almost without exception, young players in the major footballing nations of the world are introduced to the game through Small Sided Football. Brazil, France, England, Scotland,
Ireland, The Netherlands, Germany, Japan, USA and Korea all introduce their young players to the game using this approach. Considerable research has been conducted into the benefits of Small Sided Football in many of these countries. Overwhelmingly, the findings have shown that Small Sided Football are enjoyed more by children and are a more effective method of improving their technical ability as footballers (compared to 11-a-side football). Whilst there are exceptions, in most parts of Australia Rooball has been the widely-accepted format of the game for new players up until the age of eight or nine. The rules and regulations of Rooball vary in terms of field size and goal size as does the age at which players progress to 11-a-side football. At the age of 9 or 10, the general trend is for these players to then move to 11-a-side football on a full-size field where they compete against other clubs in the local area. There has also been an inconsistent approach in terms of the philosophy of football at this age, with the emphasis or otherwise on competition, winning, points tables, finals and the like, with variations depending upon the particular state or territory and/or association. Whether players compete and/or play against other clubs or within their own club is generally decided on a local basis.
Around five years ago, ACT’s Capital Football and Football Federation Northern Territory decided to begin the process of implementing Small Sided Football within their respective regions. The staged implementation process was completed in 2007 so that all players up to Under 11 are now playing Small Sided Football in the Northern Territory and the ACT. In 2007, Ku-ring-gai District Soccer Association also began to roll out Small Sided Football for all of their Under 6 and 7 players. In 2008, over 70,000 children and in 2009, over 100,000 children across all Member Federations in varying age groups played the nationally consistent Small Sided Football formats. Click Here for letter from Football Queensland.
Results of National Survey
The results of a national survey in 2008 have been extremely positive, providing lots of valuable feedback which will help to ensure that the continued implementation of Optus Small Sided Football is successful. Some statistics of particular interest can be seen below:
• 91% of parents felt their club emphasised the player’s development, enjoyment and philosophy of Small Sided Football over winning games
• Over 90% of parents reported that their child enjoyed playing football in the Small Sided Football format
• Over 80% of parents reported that the reasons for implementing Small Sided Football were communicated to them
• Over 70% of parents were offered appropriate information and education supporting the move to Small Sided Football
• Over 90% of parents felt the coach of their child’s team embraced the Small Sided Football philosophy
• Over 85% of parents felt their child touched the ball lots of times and was very active
• Over 85% of parents felt Small Sided Football promotes a positive playing environment for children
• Over 80% of parents felt their child’s playing ability and skills improved throughout the season
• More people felt it was easier to become involved as a volunteer in Small Sided Football and there was not a feeling you needed to be a football expert.
In Small Sided Football there are no premiership points. This is one of the most important aspects of Rooball as this moves the emphasis from winning to learning and having fun. Small Sided Games encourage the frequent interchange of players so that all players get equal time on the field. Coaches are encouraged to rotate players so that they do not think of themselves as defenders, forwards or goal keepers but as Small Sided Football players. Small Sided Games help young players develop the skills needed for all positions so that players are able to make a decision about which position they enjoy the most.
View Football Federation Australia Small Sided Game Kids Website - Click Here
Small Sided Games Playing Format Summary
In 2009 Football Federation Australia (FFA) released the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum as a key initiative put forward in the FFA National Football Development Plan released in November 2007. The National Curriculum aims to provide national guidance and an integrated and consistent approach to the development of players and coaches throughout the country. As a result of a combination of the release of the National Curriculum and feedback from the football community, including Member Federations, Associations, Zones, Clubs, parents and players, the Small Sided Football formats have been adjusted for implementation at the commencement of the 2010 season and beyond. The Small Sided Football Formats for the season commencing 2010 and beyond are summarised below;
|
Format
|
Under 6 & 7
|
Under 8 & 9 |
Under 10 & 11 |
|
Numbers
|
4 Versus 4
|
7 Versus 7
|
9 Versus 9 |
|
Field Size
|
30m X 20m
|
40m X 30m
|
60m X 40m |
|
Penalty Area
|
Nil
|
Yes
|
Yes |
|
Playing Time
|
Two 15 Min Halves
|
Two 20 Min Halves
|
Two 25 Min Halves |
|
Goal Keeper
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes |
|
Referee
|
Game Leader
|
Instruction Referee
|
Instruction Referee |
|
Competition
|
No
|
No |
No |
| Half Time Break |
5 Minutes |
5 Minutes |
7.5 Minutes |
| Ball Size |
3 |
3 |
4 |
What can Rooball Give To Children
Rooball helps develop active children, as it lets them exercise in a fun and safe environment. There is little chance of injury in Rooball as players must wear shin pads to protect themselves and referees ensure fair play. Rooball is about young girls and boys playing together, making friends, having fun and learning the benefits of team participation and team sport. It's the way football is meant to be played... just for fun!
What can Rooball offer Parents?
Under 6 and 7 will play each week at our Brendale Football Fields as opposed to travelling to neighbouring clubs. This is advantageous to parents and provides sufficient competition internally to stimulate the kids. We are still considering wether to play Under 8's in-house or against other clubs and a decision will be made after sign on. Under 9 and 10 play matches between local teams resulting in limited travel for parents, less expense and more free time on weekends.
All we really ask of parent is your support and positive encouragement of the Rooball spirit which has an emphasis on fun, participation, team work and development, rather than on winning!
All parents are encouraged to participate in your childs sport by volunteering as a coach, a team manager or to assist in the many carnivals and sub-committees that are exist to organise and run special additional activities for your kids. Refer to the How to Become A Coach section on the website