FFA National Curriculum
The FFA is delighted to announce the release of the National Curriculum to the entire football community. Each club in Australia will shortly receive a copy of the National Curriculum booklet accompanied by a letter from the National Technical Director.
This document (click on the link at the bottom of this article), and its associated pathways, programs and resources which will be developed over the coming months and years, is an Australian model which seeks to maximise the strengths of our existing football culture, reflects the unique challenges of our country and draws on research from the major football countries, in particular their respective approaches to player and coach development.
This curriculum is of critical importance if we are to achieve our objectives and realise a major improvement in the quality and performance of Australia-s best players, coaches and teams, as well as fostering a life-long support of the game amongst our participants.
“Personally I think this is one of the most vital things to happen in Australian football,” said FFA Technical Director Han Berger. “At the end of the day it-s about football and we (Australia) want to move to the next level of the game.
“In order to be able to do that, we looked at the strengths and weaknesses of football in Australia and what-s necessary for this country to become a world leader and a top country in the world.
“After analysing all these factors, we made a plan for the years ahead in order to improve our game and take it to the next level, culminating in this curriculum. It-s a plan for the whole of Australia.
“There is only one way to do it and that-s working in a uniform way all over the country. I think is an essential component of our strategic plan to improve football and as Mr Lowy says we are not only trying to organise the 2018 or 2022 World Cup-s but also striving to win it,” Berger added.
One thing that you may notice when you read the National Curriculum is some variations in the formats for Optus Small-Sided Football. These changes are necessary to ensure small-sided football fits into the overall philosophy and approach espoused in the National Curriculum and importantly, they are based on extensive research and feedback from the Australian football community. The changes do not take effect in the 2009 season and, as always, FFA will work closely with each Member Federation to plan a rollout that considers the individual circumstances within state and territory and builds on what has been achieved over the last 18 months.
The most significant changes are in the player numbers which will be as follows:
Under 6 & 7 4 v 4 Under 8 & 9 7 v 7 (including a goalkeeper) Under 10 & 11 9 v 9 (including a goalkeeper) Under 12 11 v 11
FFA will again be providing resources in preparation for the 2010 season which will include DVD-s, handbooks, flyers and posters. All of this material will detail all changes and will be available towards the end of 2009 for distribution by Member Federations, Zones/Associations and clubs.