 OPTUS SMALL-SIDED FOOTBALL
In 2008 Football Federation Australia (FFA) implemented Small Sided Games, now known as Optus Small-Sided Football ("OSSF") for the U6-U8 age groups, extending to the U9 age group in 2009.
In 2010 FFA continues its national roll out of OSSF to include the U10 age group. FFA has also introduced some changes to the 2010 format for OSSF. A brief summary of these changes are highlighted below:
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U7s (i.e. 2009 U6's) will play 4 v 4
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U8s (i.e. 2009 U7's) move to a quarter of full-sized pitch (approximately 50m x 40m) and will play 7 v 7
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U8s (i.e. 2009 U7's) introduce goalkeepers to game
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Grouping system for U8s to U10s*
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Standardarising of penalty area sizes across the age groups
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Implementation of OSSF will conclude in 2011 (i.e. U11's), one year earlier than original schedule
Grouping system for U8s to U10s
Following is an extract from a memorandum received from Football Brisbane regarding the grouping system for U9s and U10s in 2010:
Geckos: Players in the team are of minimal skill or are new to the sport and need time to learn rules and develop skills and teamwork.
Goannas: Players in the team have average skill, played the sport previously and as such know the rules and how to play as a team and can engage in matches with minimal instruction from their coach.
Komodo Dragons: Players in the team have average to above-average skills. Matches are usually played with speed, skill and tactics.
All groupings will follow the SSF Rules and there will be NO points table or results kept or advertised.
We have been advised that there will be scope to move teams into different groupings should it become evident that they are not suited to the initial group.
Click on the folder below to read a message from FFA which details the key changes in 2010.
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