The Small sided games is under way in Albany U6-U8 years, Esperance U6, Geraldton U6-U8, Kalgoorlie U6-U8 and in Perth we have a club hub model bringing together 4 clubs, Canning City, Gosnells City, Lynwood FC and Sutherlands Park. North of Perth Heathridge are implementing an intra club model with their U6-U8 years old children. In 2009 Football West will begin phasing in Small sided games with all children under 9.

Football West and Football Federation Australia will be holding Information evenings throughout the next few months around Perth to help our clubs get a clear understanding of the new concept. SSG handbooks and parents information can be downloaded from FFA website

WWW.Footballfederationaustralia.com.au 
 
 
What are Small-Sided games?
 
They are football games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field that encourage players to have more contact with the ball because fewer players are playing in a smaller playing area. Small-Sided Games 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.


What are the benefits of Small-Sided Games?
 
A significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where small side games are popular, which highlights 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 SSG game leader roles
*         Children enjoy the progressive and sequential game formats.
 
Who else has Small-Sided Games?
 
Small-Sided Games are played and endorsed throughout Brazil, Argentina, Japan, England, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, Germany, France, Korea and USA, to name a few.
 
Why are results not kept below the age of 10?
 
The emphasis of Small-Sided Games is on participation and enjoyment, and an associated removal of the current emphasis on the importance of winning.
 
Children are much more likely to enjoy their football playing experience, will be keen to play more often and are less likely to drop out of the game. Clubs, coaches, team supervisors and parents play the most important role in creating the right environment for Small-Sided Games and need to stress and adhere to the following playing conditions:
 
*         Under 6 – 10:  No official recording of tables, results, finals and statistics. Games focus on participation, enjoyment and skill development.
*         Under 11 and 12:  Recording of tables, results, finals and statistics is optional. Games focus on participation, enjoyment and skill development.
 
 
Format

Under 6
Numbers - 4 v 4
Field size - 30m x 20m
Field Markings - Markers or painted line markings
Penalty Area - Nil
Goal size - Min: 1.80m x 0.90mMax: 2.00m x 1.00m
Goal Type - Markers, Poles, Goals
Ball Size - Size 3
Goalkeeper - No
Paying time - 2 x 15 minutes
Half time break - 5 minutes
Referee - Game Leader
Competition - No

Under 7 & 8
Numbers - 5 v 5
Field size - 30m x 20m
Field Markings - Markers or painted line markings
Penalty Area - Nil
Goal size - Min: 1.80m x 0.90mMax: 5.00m x 2.00m
Goal Type - Markers, Poles, Goals
Ball Size - Size 3
Goalkeeper - No
Paying time - 2 x 20 minutes
Half time break - 5 minutes
Referee - Game Leader
Competition - No

Under 9 &10
Numbers - 7 v 7
Field size - 40m x 30m
Field Markings - Markers or painted line markings
Penalty Area - Nil
Goal size - Min: 4.80m x 1.60mMax: 2.00m x 1.00m
Goal Type - Markers, Poles, Goals
Ball Size - Size 3
Goalkeeper - Yes
Paying time - 2 x 25 minutes
Half time break - 5 minutes
Referee – Instructing referee
Competition - No

Under 11 & 12
Numbers - 9 v 9
Field size - 60m x 40m
Field Markings - Markers or painted line markings
Penalty Area - Nil
Goal size - Min: 4.80m x 1.60mMax: 2.00m x 1.00m
Goal Type - Markers, Poles, Goals
Ball Size - Size 4
Goalkeeper - Yes
Paying time - 2 x 30 minutes
Half time break – 7.5 minutes
Referee – Instructing referee
Competition - Optional

Clubs are welcome to come and have a look at the current models happening in Perth details are as follows:
 
Club Hub: Times 9am-11.30am each week
 
Host Club: Gosnells City FC
Venue: Cassidy Road, Thornlie
Dates: May 25th, June 1st, June 8th, June 15th 2008
 
Host Club: Lynwood FC
Venue: Hossack Reserve, Parkwood
Dates: 22nd June, 29th June, July 20th, July 27th 2008
 
Host Club:   Sutherlands Park
Venue: Sutherlands Park, Gay St, Huntingdale
Dates: August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 2008
 
For Further information please contact Football West 94226900.