Lilli Pilli FC Embrace Optus Small-Sided Football
With Optus Small-Sided Football (SSF) proving so successful across the nation since its introduction in 2008, Lilli Pilli FC is one club leading the charge, as it prepares for another big season on the little fields.
The success of the new game, according to Lilli Pilli-s Optus SSF Coordinator Ken Bowrey, is the fact that kids are able to become more involved in the match and hence develop a greater appreciation for the sport.
“Kids are no longer able to hide on the field. They are forced to become involved, to participate and have a chance to show what they can do. With plenty of touches on the ball, kids are able to build confidence and this in turn builds a better platform for kids to grow and develop in football,” remarked Bowrey.
The new initiative, designed from the top levels at Football Federation Australia (FFA), is being applauded by coaches and parents as the solution to developing grassroots football into more than the “kick and chase” game many spectators have had to endure in the past.
“The FFA saw that the old system wasn-t working. There was too much long ball football in the Australian game and the issue needed to be tackled at its root. “With Optus SSF, players are encouraged to pass and seek options as opposed to simply kicking the ball long and hoping for the best,” said Bowrey.
Player Development Officer and coach of the U/9s and U/15s at Lilli Pilli FC, Mark Mogridge, says the technical side of players is certainly seeing an improvement and believes the new initiative is working to help players become better footballers who are more calm on the ball.
“Skills and fitness is on the rise and I believe this is due to players wanting to become more involved in the match. It-s amazing to see kids now looking to take players on and dribble out from the back instead of simply kicking the ball forward without purpose,” commented Mogridge.
Optus SSF does not place emphasis on winning and losing, with scores recorded from U/6-s to U/10s so the association has a measuring stick on which to grade the teams and not for competition purpose . The importance is given to developing players and allowing them to have fun in a relaxed environment, where they are encouraged to try new skills without being afraid of letting down the team. Combined with field size reductions, which now sees the U/6s to U/8s playing on a 30m x 20m terrain and the U/9s and U/10-s on a 40m x 30m pitch, the feedback hasn-t always been encouraging.
“In the beginning it was difficult for some parents to understand these modifications, with the competition factor being a major reason for the negative phone calls and emails Lilli Pilli FC received.
“Luckily most parents, players and officials have become accustomed to the changes and I am glad to report that this club certainly receives much more positive than negative feedback,” added Mogridge.
The goal of Optus SSF, according to Bowrey, is to allow young players the freedom to express themselves on the field and find their inner creativity. “The goal this club has in its embracement with Optus SSF is very simple: Allow kids to have fun, be confident, and the end of the year, aside from the pressures placed by parents and/or coaches, know that the players themselves are willing to come back and play again next year.
“With the success of Optus SSF so far at Lilli Pilli FC, I think this is one goal we will achieve.”