Small-Sided Games
In 2012 Under 6 through to Under 10 teams will be playing in a new match format called Small-Sided Games. The new format is an initative of Football Australia below is part of the statement issued relating to Small-Sided Games.
Small-Sided Football is football for kids, played on smaller fields, with less players on a team and in an environment where the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than winning. It maximises participation for all players, leading to more touches on the ball, repeated decision-making, more goals and importantly less perceived pressure on young players. |
The main differences between the new format and the old Roo Ball format are:
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Fewer players per team
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Smaller fields
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No goalkeeper until Under 8
FORMAT OVERVIEW
Set out below is a quick overview of the match format for Under 6s & 7s, Under 8s & 9s and Under10s.
Playing Format |
Under 6 & 7 |
Under 8 & 9 |
Under 10 |
| Numbers |
4 v 4 |
7 v 7 |
9 v 9 |
| Field Size |
Length: 30m
Width:
20m |
¼ Full Size Pitch |
½ Full Size Pitch |
| Length: 40m - 50m |
Length: 60m - 70m |
| Width: 30m - 40m |
Width: 40m - 50m |
| Field Markings |
Markers or line markings |
Markers or line markings |
Markers or line markings |
| Penalty Area |
Nil |
5m depth x 12m width |
5m depth x 12m width |
| Goal Size |
Width: 1.5m - 2.0m |
Width: 2.5m - 3.0m |
Width: 4.5m - 5.0m |
| Height: 0.9m - 1.0m |
Height: 1.8m - 2.0m |
Height: 1.8m - 2.0m |
| Goal Type |
Goals, Poles or Markers |
Goals, Poles or Markers |
Goals, Poles or Markers |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
Size 3 |
Size 4 |
| Goalkeeper |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Playing Time |
2 x 15 minutes |
2 x 20 minutes |
2 x 25 minutes |
| Half Time Break |
5 minutes |
5 minutes |
7.5 minutes |
| Referee |
Game Leader |
Instructing Referee |
Instructing Referee |
| Points Table & Finals |
No |
No |
No |
RESOURCES
Football Australia has produced a number of booklets providing more information on Short-Sided Games, they can be downloaded using the links below:
Please note these booklets are in PDF format - you will need Adobe Reader or a similar program to be able to view them.
For more information go to the Football Australia website - click here |