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 In 2008, Football Federation Australia (FFA) in conjunction with Member Federations, Zones Associations and Clubs will be rolling out Small-Sided Games (SSG). This rollout will be staged commencing primarily with the younger age groups moving through the ages in 2009 and beyond.
In 2008 in excess of 60,000 children will be participating in SSG throughout all Member Federations, including FQ, and in turn, Football Hervey Bay.
FHB is introducing small sided games this year in the Under 6, 7 and 8 age groups.
Further information is available below, as well as on the FFA website here.
What are small-sided games?
They are football games with fewer players competing on a smaller-sized field. They are fun games that encourage players to have more contact with the ball because fewer players are playing in a smaller playing area. SSG have a definite developmental impact on younger football players.
Why change to small-sided games?
It makes the game of football a better experience for children. More touches on the ball, more opportunities to make decisions, more actual play. Players will be more active due to playing both attacking and defensive roles within a match and will understand the importance of team-mates and playing and working together.
Also, playing for points and trophies in young ages has the following effects:
encourages coaches and parents to influence players and results through selection of stronger, faster youngsters;
fosters kick and rush football at the expense of technical development; and
inhibits the fun of junior football, through which kids learn most effectively.
Do other countries play small-sided games?
SSG are played and endorsed throughout Brazil, Argentina, Japan, England, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, Germany, France, Korea and USA, to name a few. The idea of SSG is not new.
Small-Sided games Roll-Out and Education
Education of clubs, parents and players is vitally important to the success of SSG. With this in mind FFA has produced the following educational resources to assist clubs in promoting and educating parents in SSG.
Small-Sided Games Handbook is the complete information kit that each club might like to download. The file is large (3.6MB) and can be downloaded here.
The SSG Parent Information Flyer is a resource to educate parents in SSG. Click here to download.
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