Pantelis helps kick-off Optus Small Sided Football program
Reds Vice-Captain Lucas Pantelis has helped to launch Optus Small Sided Football (OSSF) in South Australia.
The midfielder, who is the State ambassador of OSSF, was at Jet Park in Modbury for the launch, which involved 30 junior participants ranging from 6-8 years of age, take part in the program.
Part of a national launch of the football development program, the event was one of many that have taken place across the country to promote Football Federation Australia-s strategic framework to improve football at all levels.
Pantelis, who started playing football at the age of 10, said it was fantastic to see the amount of effort going into encouraging kids to have a kick and experience the game in a fun and enjoyable environment.
“At 6 and 7 years of age, kids just want to get out and play. It is just about them getting out and kicking a ball, having as many touches as they can and then down the track, that-s where they can start to concentrate more on the skills,” Pantelis said.
A home grown South Australian product who joined Adelaide United prior to the start of the Hyundai A-League back in 2005, Pantelis is a fitting ambassador of OSSF, having gone up through the junior ranks. The 27 year old spent time at the South Australian Sports Institute and the AIS, representing Australia at Under 17, 20 and 23 level.
“It-s fabulous for the growth of football within Australia getting the younger ones involved. We-re a proud partner of Football Federation Australia (FFA) in supporting the growth of football and upcoming players,” Warren said.
“I think the participation among youth, particularly in Australia, is the largest of any sport. Challenging the traditional sports in Australia, and we-re a challenger brand in our own right, it-s a great opportunity for us to get behind it and see that growth continue.”
Warren, who is also an Adelaide United supporter, said the success of the club in the past 12 months had also contributed to the interest and participation rates of kids playing football in South Australia.
“We came on board last year at a fabulous time, particularly in Adelaide, with The Reds getting into the Asian Champions League Final and the finals of the Hyundai A-League, and I think the club has got even bigger things to come this year,” Warren said.