Ambassadors to advance football's quiet revolution

The so-called quiet revolution in football in Australia has been boosted by the appointment of ambassadors comprised of former and current stars of the game who will help to introduce 'small sided games' to the several brigades of children aged 5-11 who play the round ball code.

The so-called quiet revolution in football in Australia has been boosted by the appointment of ambassadors comprised of former and current stars of the game who will help to introduce 'small sided games' to the several brigades of children aged 5-11 who play the round ball code.

"We're introducing the game played on the street to the football fields around the country starting this winter season," said Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley.

"Children play with each other in the streets or in the backyard in small groups naturally, and small sided games replicates that natural style of play, and the fun of playing, while also introducing them to the skills, techniques and tactics of football."

Buckley said that introduction of small sided games will be phased in over three years, with 80,000 children around Australia set to start in the new format in 2008.

"We are delighted that we have some fantastic ambassadors to assist us in implementing this program, led by former Socceroos captains, Paul Wade and Alex Tobin."

Other ambassadors include Hyundai A-League stars Lucas Pantelis, Travis Dodd (Adelaide United), Rodrigo Vargas (Melbourne Victory), Alex Wilkinson, Adam Kwasnik (Central Coast Mariners), Josh McCloughan, Matt McKay, Stuart McLaren (Queensland Roar) and former Socceroo Alistair Edwards, former Hyundai A-League player, Richie Alagich, and former NSL player and current FOX Sports football presenter Andy Harper.

Buckley said that small sided games are an integral component of the first ever National Football Development Plan released in November last year which aims to make Australia a world leader in the world game.

“Small sided games make the game of football a better experience for children,” said National Technical Director, Robert Baan.

“Players get more touches on the ball, more opportunities to make decisions, more actual play and they learn to understand the importance of team mates and playing and working together.”

Baan added that small sided games are commonplace in many of the top football nations, and comprise football games played with fewer players competing on a smaller field encouraging a fun match which allows children to have more touches of the ball and to be more involved in the game.

FFA is encouraging district associations to contact them to arrange for the ambassadors to visit their region.

In addition the FFA has produced a small sided games handbook, parent guide, posters and DVDs. These products and further information on getting an ambassador to visit associations can be obtained by e-mailing communityfootball@footballaustralia.com.au. More information is available at the www.footballaustralia.com.au