SSG Ambassador days in Queensland

Football Federation Australia will conduct 3 Small Sided Games Ambassador days in Brisbane and Toowoomba in coming weeks.

Football Federation Australia will conduct 3 Small Sided Games Ambassador days in Brisbane and Toowoomba in coming weeks.

Hyundai A-League stars Matt McKay and Josh McCloughan will be in attendance for the first SSG ambassador day to be hosted by Football Toowoomba on Saturday April 19th at Captain Cook park from 8.30am.

"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."

The ambassadors will be available to meet players, parents and coaches and to share their experience and knowledge of small sided games.

Football Federations Australia-s Participation Manger, Phil Hazlett says, “We will be staging various demonstrations of SSG starting in Toowoomba with two games being played side by side with a running commentary on the rules, and various scenarios.

"So far clubs and associations across Queensland have indicated that the SSG format has been a great success. Most have indicated that they are experiencing high numbers of participants and the children are getting more touches on the ball, and being more involved in the games”

Two Brisbane Small Sided Games hubs will host the Ambassador days. Oxley, which incorporates Centenary Stormers, Acacia Ridge, Rocklea, and Brisbane Force on April 26th and Sandgate PCYC, which incorporates Virginia, and Brighton clubs on May 10th.

Each ambassador day will attract around 1000 players, spectators, coaches and parents.