SSF (SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL)

SSF (Small Sided Football) includes different modified forms of the game (depending upon age) for boys and girls from 3 through to 10 years old. 3-5 year olds play Squirts while 6-10 year olds play SSF.

In-House U6/7/8 Competitions

We conduct in-house competitions (our teams play each other rather than other clubs) for all under 6/7/8 teams which means all of our games are played at our home ground apart from one or two fixtures to be played at Dayboro who we have again invited to participate in our in-house competition.

The aim is to reduce the amount of travel required, especially for families with more than one player. For those who do enjoy playing other clubs, there will be the opportunity (optional only) to play in the various Sunday carnivals that clubs hold throughout the year.

What is Small Sided Football?

In 2008, Football Australia introduced an exciting new initiative called SSF (Small Sided Football) for younger age groups. SSF is 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. SSF has a definite developmental impact on younger football players. For more information, check-out the Small Sided Football web site.

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.

Benefits of small-sided games for your child

A significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where SSF are prevalent, which overwhelmingly highlight the following benefits:

more touches of the ball by all players throughout all areas of the pitch
more shots on goal
more efficient use of facilities, given there can be multiple games on one standard-size field
repeated decision-making experience
the ball is in play far more often
the emphasis is on player development rather than winning or losing
better success rate leads to improved quality of play, self-esteem and player retention
the game is easier to understand
freedom of expression – no positions in early stages
less perceived stress on the players
less perceived pressure from coaches and parents
parents more likely to volunteer for SSF game leader roles
children enjoy the progressive and sequential game formats