What is Optus Small-Sided Football?

They are football games designed especially for children 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.  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.

Benefits of Optus Small-Sided Football for your child

A significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where small-sided football is 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 and 1 v 1 opportunities
• More efficient use of facilities, given there can be multiple games on one standard-size field, re-size existing smaller fields or make use of previously unused areas
• Repeated decision-making experience
• The ball is in play far more often
• The emphasis is on playerdevelopment rather than on 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 pressure from coaches and parents
• Parents more likely to volunteer for Optus Small-Sided Football game leader roles
• Children enjoy the progressive and sequential game formats

For further information on Optus Small-Sided Football please follow the link below to the FFA website .