The Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced a national progressive introduction of SSF which commenced nationally in 2008.

Loganholme will continue to conduct an in-house competition for the U6-U8 SSF.  The SSF concept will be similar in many ways to the previously used rooball format with the main difference being the 'no goalkepper' policy for the U6/7 age-group.  The SSF concept is the foundation for football development in many of the major footballing nations around the world; including the Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, The Netherlands and England.

Officials at the national level have recognised the need to introduce SSF as the standard playing format for children under the age of 12 in Australia. The justification for taking such an approach is based on the following criteria:

• more fun and individual enjoyment due to smaller fields and simplified rules
• more playing time, which maximises individual participation and involvement
• far more repeated touches of the ball by all players on the field
• more shots on goals
• more involvement leads to greater improvement in fitness

Importantly, a significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where SSF are prevalent, which overwhelmingly highlights benefits such as more touches, greater participation as well as more enjoyment for the children. 

Members can contact one of our club SSF coordinators John Holman (U6/7/8) or Ian McBratney (U9/10) with any questions or alternatively you can download the following information documents.  Click here for our club contact information.

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	Parent Information Guide	[392kb]
	Small Sides Games - Handbook	[761kb]

Small Sided Games Format for 2010

Please note there have been some subtle changes (see below).

Format 2010	Under 6 & 7	Under 8 & 9	Under 10
Number of players*	4-v-4	7-v-7	9-v-9
Goalkeeper*	No	No	Yes
Field size*	20m x 30m	30m x 40m	60m x 40m
Ball size*	size 3	size 3	size 3
Penalty area*	Nil	Yes	Yes
Goal size*	2m x 1m	3m x 2m	5m x 2m
Referee*	No - a 'game leader' instead	No - a 'game leader' instead	Yes
Competition*	No	No	No
Field markings	Markers or lines	Markers or lines	Markers or lines
Goal type	Markers, poles or goals	Markers, poles or goals	Markers, poles or goals
Playing time	2 x 20 minutes	2 x 20 minutes	2 x 25 minutes
Half time	5 minutes	5 minutes	5 minutes
* Denotes compulsory national standard. All other areas are optional and adjustable, eg play quarters or shorter halves depending on weather conditions.