Melissa Barbieri helps launch SSG in Victoria
FOOTBALL Federation Victoria headquarters was a hive of activity on Saturday afternoon with approximately 100 children, aged between 5-8 in attendance for the launch of Small Sided Games in Victoria.
Approximately 100 children, aged 5 - 8, registered for the event and took part in a number of Small-Sided Games run by FFV development staff at Darebin International Sports Centre.
The majority of attendees were new to the sport and enjoyed the chance to play the game in the smaller setting.
Feedback received from parents indicated that their children enjoyed the experience and will be looking to join a local club in the coming weeks.
Parents were particularly impressed by the number of opportunities their children had to touch the ball and score goals.
Jenny Parkes, mother of Ethan, 6, was a huge wrap for the new format.
“My son has just turned six and told me he wanted to try football this year,” Jenny said.
“I-m surprised by how many times he touched the ball and that he was able to score a couple of goals having never played before.
“He just had a fantastic time, I-ll definitely be taking him to the local club to play SSG this year.”
Australian Matilda-s star goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, one of Victoria-s SSG ambassadors for 2008, was a special guest at the event and spoke to the crowd about her experience at the women-s World Cup last year.
She also touched on how playing SSG as a junior helped her develop the skills needed to represent her country.
Barbieri also addressed the controversial exclusion of goalkeepers at the 5 - 8 age groups, declaring that she was actually a field player until she turned 21 and found that she could read the play very well as a goalkeeper as a result of her time spent on-field.
As well as playing SSG, there were plenty of other family activities to keep everyone entertained including a giant inflatable human fooseball pitch, and face painting for the kids.
FFV would like to thank club representatives that attended the launch and provided a face for their club at the event.
Contact details of each registered SSG venue were posted at the pavilion to assist parents in locating their nearest club.
Various regional associations, such as Sunraysia Soccer Association and Swan Hill Junior Soccer Association, also launched SSG successfully on the weekend, with positive feedback coming from parents and children.
Most metropolitan clubs will launch their SSG season from April 26.