Small-Sided Games
In 2009 Under 6 and Under 7 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. |
As noted this year the Under 6 and 7 teams will be playing in the new format which will be progressively rolled out to older groups up to under 12s. The rollout will be timed to allow players to "grow-up" with new format.
The main differences between the new format and the existing 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 9
FORMAT OVERVIEW
Set out below is a quick overview of the match frmat for Under 6s and Under 7s.
| Playing Format |
Under 6 |
Under 7 |
| Numbers |
4 v 4 |
4 v 4 |
| Field Size |
30m x 20m |
30m x 20m |
| Field Markings |
Markers or painted line markings |
Markers or painted line markings |
| Penalty Area |
Nil |
Nil |
| Goal Size |
Min: 1.80m x 0.90m
Max: 2.00m x 1.00m |
Min: 1.80m x 0.90m
Max: 2.00m x 1.00m |
| Goal Type |
Markers, Poles, Goals |
Markers, Poles, Goals |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
Size 3 |
| Goalkeeper |
No |
No |
| Recommended Playing Time |
2 x 15minutes |
2 x 20 minutes |
| Half Time Break |
5 minutes |
5 minutes |
| Referee |
Game Leader |
Game Leader |
| Competition Tables & Finals |
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 |