What is Optus Small Sided Football?

They are football games designed especially for children, with fewer players competing on a
smaller-sized field. Players have more contact with the ball because fewer players are playing in
a smaller playing area. Optus Small Sided Football meets the developmental needs of younger
football players whilst maintaining a strong focus on maximum participation and enjoyment.

Why change to Optus Small Sided Football?

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.

See the reason why in a great visual example: youtube.com/watch?v=kqxnFE…

 

How will they learn to play 11 v 11?

11 v 11 is a game designed for adults, progressing from 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 BEFORE
11 v 11 is a sound educational method and process. The progression helps players discover
the differences in the size of the field and size of the goal, and the benefits of having more space,
learning to use different and better developed techniques to play a more tactical game, as well
as understanding the role of different positions and determining what best suits them.

Why no goalkeepers in Under 6’s and Under 7’s?

The role of the goalkeeper in football is uniquely specialised and typically players develop as
keepers at a later age. In the youngest age groups, keepers can be uninvolved in the game
for long periods, which can be uninteresting and means they are not part of the team for long
periods of the game. The role of the goalkeeper has changed in the modern game, they need
to be capable to act in the game as “sweeper” who can kick a ball, control a ball and build
up the game without using their hands. Most goalkeepers have played for many years as field
players before deciding to become goalkeepers.

Will a club need lots of equipment for Optus Small Sided Football?

Equipment will not be a barrier to not conduct Optus Small Sided Football. Whilst the use of
goals are ideal, there is no need to purchase new goals should your club not wish to or be
able to. In the first instance, many clubs that have already implemented Optus Small Sided
Football using markers or poles both as goals and markers to set out the field and have found
that it has worked really well in the younger age groups, at minimal cost.

Do other countries play Small Sided Football?

Small Sided Football is played and endorsed throughout England, Ireland, The Netherlands,
Scotland, Germany, Spain, France, Korea and USA, to name a few. The idea of Small Sided Football is not new. Some organizations smear the concept  of SSG however, the proof is in the results where development of some of the best youth players are from SSG.

 

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