SSF (Small Sided Football)

Click Logo above to visit the
Optus SSF Website

What is Small Sided Football?
Small sided Football (SSF) was introduced by the FFA in 2008 and has now been rolled out in age groups up to Under 11s in 2010.
SSF Programs are:

Free Grassroots Course

Introductory program
Under 9s (turning 8 or 9 in 2010)
Under 11s (turning 10 or 11 in 2010)

SSF Introductory program:

This program is designed for players from age 5 upwards
•  who have never played soccer before
•  who do not yet qualify for a team
•  who are not yet ready to commit to a team

We accept children who have turned 5 up to children who will turn 10 in 2010
It is based on the SSF philosophy. Skills development and mini-games take place on the same day.
Game formats are 4 v 4 on 30m x 20m pitches.

The group is split based on age and/or skill level to ensure that each child is gaining the maximum skill development and (above all) enjoyment.
There may be some opportunity to participate in “Gala Days” with other local clubs.

What do I need to bring?
Sensible clothing and footwear are required - football strip recommended but not mandatory
Soccer/Footy boots are highly recommended
SHIN PADS are COMPULSORY for safety and insurance reasons
A hat and a removable pullover/jacket as temperature varies through the season
Each child also requires a drink bottle filled with water

Contact Peter Dring for more details - peter_dring@infosys.com or 0409 160 922

See below for Important SSF Intro Dates

SSF Under 8/9

Teams are available for those children who turn 8 or 9 in 2010

Matches are played against teams in the FFV Eastern region, but no scores or league tables are recorded.
Game format is 7 v 7 on 60m x 40m pitches

SSF Under 10/11

Teams are available for those children who turn 10 or 11 in 2010
Matches are played against teams in the FFV Eastern Region,
Scores and league tables are recorded.
Game format is 9 v 9 on 60m x 40m pitches
Teams at this level will be graded to ensure that players are playing with and against similarly skilled players.

Parent Help and Participation
Parent participation is an essential aspect of SSF and all parents, guardians, grandparents, older siblings, or anyone over 15, is encouraged to volunteer their time to assist in running and setting up the skill based activities and Small Sided Football. No experience or knowledge is necessary – just enthusiasm and a sense of fun. Training and certification is available in conjunction with the FFV for those interested.

SSF Venue
The venue for all SSF formats in 2010 will be Dorset Reserve - see "club details" link at top of page

Times
The start time for the Introductory Program is 9am on Saturdays. Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the starting time to avoid disruption to the team-grouping process - Children and adults are welcome to kick a ball around prior to the start
Finish time is around 10:15am

Start time for SSF U8/9 will be between 9am and 11am on Saturdays
SSF U10/11 - teams will be entered into both Saturday and Sunday leagues. Start times will be between 9am and 11am.

Diary dates for SSF Intro only:   optional PDF download -

17th April Registration Day for SSF Introductory Program 9 to 11am at Dorset Reserve

20th April FREE Grassroots Certificate / parent helper training 6pm to 9pm at Dorset Reserve

1st May SSF Introductory Program sessions commence 9- 10:15 at Ainslie Park

12th June no session Queens Birthday w/e

3rd July no session School Holidays

10th July Restart regular sessions 9- 10:15 at Ainslie Park

Late Aug/Early Sep Finale and presentations!! Bring the whole family + grandparents

Post-season Family BBQ (Venue and time TBC) Bring some food and have some fun!!

Gala Days:

We are continuing our very popular Gala Days with local clubs. Dates for 2010 as below:

15th May Ringwood City J.W. Manson Reserve (Mel: 63 J3) 9:30am – 12.15pm

19th June Croydon City Arrow Dorset Reserve (Mel 51 B6) 9:30am – 12.15pm

17th July Boronia H.V. Jones Reserve(Mel : 73 G5) 9:30am – 12.15pm

7th Aug Montrose Keith Hume Fraser Reserve (Mel 52 F5) 9:30am – 12.15pm

28th Aug Mooroolbark Esher Park (Mel 37 E11) 9:30am – 12.15pm