Courtesy of FIFA.com
"The first FIFA World Cup on African soil"
To introduce boys and girls (6-12 yrs) to football at a grassroots level
To promote the concept of grassroots football
To develop grassroots football activities
To increase participation in grassroots football
To upgrade training and match facilities
To train instructors (including women) as coaches/educators
To encourage parents and volunteers to take part
To forge bonds and create links with all stakeholders
To create a "grassroots development structure"
To increase visibility and attract interest from the general public
To identify sponsors, events, representatives (key figures)
The Seminar and the Festival
Planning and the identification of key aspects are followed by two essential phases that form a vital part of the Grassroots programme.
The first is a seminar organised by FIFA and attended by budding coaches/educators. Led by FIFA's specialist instructors, the seminar provides an opportunity to study every facet of the programme: methadology, knowledge of the specific circumstances of the children taking part in the coaching, safety, technical aspects and small-sided games.
The second phase is the Grassroots Festival, with the emphasis being on the word "festival" . This celebration of football gives each participating team the chance to play the same number of games, which are interspersed with exercises.
The idea behind the "Festival" is to provide children with a positive experience and to give them all the same opportunity to play, without an overall winner being declared at the end of the day. This is not always possible in tournaments, where teams can be knocked out quickly, denying young players a chance to play and sometimes giving them a negative impression of the game.
Small Sided Matches
Photo: FIFA.com
Small-sided games are extremely beneficial for young children. Anecdotal evidence and research studies show that youngsters derive greater pleasure from playing football in smaller teams and with adapted rules. As well as getting involved in the game more often, players learn more quickly and take more decisions during the course of a match. And as the ball is never far away, greater concentration is required on their part.
This all means that they gain a better understanding of the game than they would in playing on big pitches. The fact there are less players on the pitch and on each team also means that they receive more attention and have more chances to score goals, which is what children play the game for. Goalkeepers, who are not used in four-a-side football and smaller formats, are also more involved, while outfield players are exposed to more attack and defence situations, increasing their enjoyment and the pace at which they learn.
Below are just some of the statistics that underline the benefits that small-sided games offer in comparison to 11-a-side football:
Players touch the ball five times more in four-a-side football and twice as much in seven-sided games.
Players are involved in three times as many one-on-one situations in four-a-side football and twice as many in seven-sided games.
On average, in four-a-side football goals are scored every two minutes and every four minutes in seven-sided games.
Goalkeepers make two to four times as many saves in seven-a-side football than they do in 11-a-side.
The ball is out of play for 8 per cent of the playing time in four-a-side football, 14 per cent of the playing time in seven-sided games and 34 per cent in 11-a-side football.
In Small-Sided games each player:
Plays the whole game
Receives the ball on a regular basis
Tries to score all the time
Has the freedom to play
Receives encouragement at all times from instructors
Receives support from parents and instructors
The Joy of playing
More than anything else children play the game for fun. Playing matches is also an essential facet of the learning process and helps speed that process up. It allows them to acquire skills and a sense of independence. It also develops their creativity, initiative and ability to take decisions and helps them build relationships with other people and to respect them.
From a tactical point of view small-sided games are designed to enhance players' vision of the game and their understanding of defensive and attacking aspects. Sessions should also include free play, however, with the instructor withdrawing at some point from the action and allowing youngsters to play without rules and restrictions and to put into practice what they have learned.
The Playing area
The size of the pitch is also very important and must be adapted to the age and the skill of the players and the size of the teams. It is difficult, for example, for a large number of players to play on a small pitch. They would need to be very skilful and have excellent vision, qualities that not every child aged between 6 and 12 can be expected to possess.
In physical and technical terms children develop in different ways and at different speeds, which means that some small-sided games are suited for some age groups than others. it is important, therefore, to pursue a logical process of development in which youngsters start by playing four-a-side matches (with no goalkeepers) and progress to nine-a-side games.
Goals and equipment
The size of the goals should reflect the age of the children, with small goals for young children and larger goals for older children. To increase their enjoyment, nets should be attached to the goals. If only seven-a-side goals are available, these should be reduced in size using some form of marker. Failing this, goals can easily be formed using marker domes, cones or stakes. The two teams should also be easily distinguishable and a sufficient of different-coloured bibs should be provided for this purpose.
Technical aspects of the game
Technical skills such as possession of the ball, shooting on goal, passing, controlling the ball, running with the ball and heading are all used in the game. Thanks to the pressure exerted by opposing players, these skills can all be taught and enhanced. During training sessions instructors should ensure that each aspect of the game is worked on. If, for example, the focus of a specific session is on dribbling, a game format that develops this skill should be selected.
Small-sided exercises and game formats
Grassroots football is founded on two basic concepts: scoring goals and preventing the opposing team from scoring. The best way to achieve these objectives is to use the game formats adapted to and applied to different exercises.
The smallest game format is one against one.
This is an exercise that focuses on dribbling and shielding the ball.
Children should also learn how to use their body correctly and impose themselves.
Another aspect of this format is "the ball and l".
The situation changes when another player joins the game (two against one). The two players on the same side now have the option of passing the ball and keeping it and must decide for themselves which option to take.
The next level, involving several team-mates and opponents, requires more vision and involves more concepts of team-play and creativity. The more players there are in a game, the more complex it is. For this reason it is important to bear in mind the age of the players and to let them progress from small-sided games to games on larger pitches.
Another important aspect to consider is that young players touch the ball a lot in small-sided games and are unable to shield it from their opponents. This forces them to go in search of the ball, which helps make these games very intense.
Furthermore, no aspect of the game should be overlooked and matches should not be allowed to run on for too long. Substitutions, with replacement players lining up on the edge of the pitch, are necessary and help maintain the pace of the game/exercise.
Game formats not involving goalkeepers should also be used, depending on the skill level and the age group. To begin with instructors should ensure that scoring goals is easy as this encourages players to shoot, something that also aids the teaching of technical aspects. Before long, more skilful players will require more of a challenge and should learn how to score goals when under more pressure.
Such situations represent a more advanced level of play and require the use of greater amounts of skill. It is at this point that goalkeepers should be introduced.
It is also important that goalkeepers learn about the tactical aspects of the game (shooting, pressing, opportunities for attacking or counter-attacking, etc). Small-sided games provide an ideal opportunity to do this.
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"The first FIFA World Cup on African soil"
The successful 2010 FIFA World Cup™ held in South Africa was an historic event, as it was the first to be held in Africa.
"FIFA placed its trust in South Africa right from the very start, and the organisers made sure that the event was a success by building a partnership that was always based on respect, efficiency and solidarity. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa was not just from a sporting point of view, however, as it also underlined the immense social and cultural power of the beautiful game.
The careful and conservative financial policies that FIFA followed back in 2007 and through to the 2010 period has meant that FIFA have been able to "increase their investment in football development programmes", such as the 'Grassroots Goes Live On FIFA.com' An e-tool.
Photo: FIFA.com
Since 2009, the FIFA Grassroots programme has encouraged football stakeholders to place a high priority on football development for children between the ages of six and 12 years old. In the last three years, in 70 different countries, coaches have been taught by FIFA's Development team how to organise and develop grassroots football, with the help of the official FIFA Grassroots manual.
For the first time, FIFA.com presents this manual to all football coaches, players and fans around the world, in a dynamic web application. Now, each and every football lover in the world can access the same knowledge as FIFA-trained coaches, including:
- Basic principles for grassroots football
- Exercises and videos showcasing simple techniques for beginners in football
- Information on a range of other grassroots activities, from training sessions to full-sized festivals and tournaments
You will also find videos and images of FIFA Grassroots activities around the world, illustrating the fun, enthusiasm and joy that every child enjoys when participating in the game at this level.
The FIFA Grassroots programme is just one part of FIFA's overall Football Development programme. Between 2011 and 2014, FIFA will invest more than USD 800 million in football development.
The FIFA Grassroots programme mainly supports FIFA's member associations in setting priorities for their grassroots development, as well as helping train local instructors and coaches to become grassroots specialists. FIFA also provides each association with football and educational material.
The FIFA Grassroots programme also places at its core, an emphasis on the notion of both education and fun for the children. It also promotes mass participation and inclusivity; every one has the right to play regardless of gender, age, skills, race, social origin and religion.
HOW IT WORKS.
Photo FIFA.com
FIFA's Grassroots programme differs to other football development programmes in that its organisational framework offers a great deal of flexibility. There are, however, major guidelines that do need to be followed, and it is in these areas that FIFA can lend valuable support.
The First Phase: Analysis On The Ground
The successful implementation of Grassroots initiatives is dependent on an accurate appraisal of the situation on the ground, an evaluation of the country data and an assessment of local needs. This work, which is carried out by FIFA in conjunction with the national football associations, is essential to the success of all Grassroots programmes.
This initial phase allows the programme objectives to be put into a local context and to tailor resources so that these goals can be achieved:
The Seminar and the Festival
Planning and the identification of key aspects are followed by two essential phases that form a vital part of the Grassroots programme.
The first is a seminar organised by FIFA and attended by budding coaches/educators. Led by FIFA's specialist instructors, the seminar provides an opportunity to study every facet of the programme: methadology, knowledge of the specific circumstances of the children taking part in the coaching, safety, technical aspects and small-sided games.
The second phase is the Grassroots Festival, with the emphasis being on the word "festival" . This celebration of football gives each participating team the chance to play the same number of games, which are interspersed with exercises.
The idea behind the "Festival" is to provide children with a positive experience and to give them all the same opportunity to play, without an overall winner being declared at the end of the day. This is not always possible in tournaments, where teams can be knocked out quickly, denying young players a chance to play and sometimes giving them a negative impression of the game.
Small Sided Matches
Photo: FIFA.com
Small-sided games are extremely beneficial for young children. Anecdotal evidence and research studies show that youngsters derive greater pleasure from playing football in smaller teams and with adapted rules. As well as getting involved in the game more often, players learn more quickly and take more decisions during the course of a match. And as the ball is never far away, greater concentration is required on their part.
This all means that they gain a better understanding of the game than they would in playing on big pitches. The fact there are less players on the pitch and on each team also means that they receive more attention and have more chances to score goals, which is what children play the game for. Goalkeepers, who are not used in four-a-side football and smaller formats, are also more involved, while outfield players are exposed to more attack and defence situations, increasing their enjoyment and the pace at which they learn.
Below are just some of the statistics that underline the benefits that small-sided games offer in comparison to 11-a-side football:
In Small-Sided games each player:
The Joy of playing
More than anything else children play the game for fun. Playing matches is also an essential facet of the learning process and helps speed that process up. It allows them to acquire skills and a sense of independence. It also develops their creativity, initiative and ability to take decisions and helps them build relationships with other people and to respect them.
From a tactical point of view small-sided games are designed to enhance players' vision of the game and their understanding of defensive and attacking aspects. Sessions should also include free play, however, with the instructor withdrawing at some point from the action and allowing youngsters to play without rules and restrictions and to put into practice what they have learned.
The Playing area
The size of the pitch is also very important and must be adapted to the age and the skill of the players and the size of the teams. It is difficult, for example, for a large number of players to play on a small pitch. They would need to be very skilful and have excellent vision, qualities that not every child aged between 6 and 12 can be expected to possess.
In physical and technical terms children develop in different ways and at different speeds, which means that some small-sided games are suited for some age groups than others. it is important, therefore, to pursue a logical process of development in which youngsters start by playing four-a-side matches (with no goalkeepers) and progress to nine-a-side games.
Small-sided games | Age | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
4-a-side | X | X | X | |
5-a-side | X | X | X | |
7-a-side | X | X | ||
9-a-side | X | |||
Goals and equipment
The size of the goals should reflect the age of the children, with small goals for young children and larger goals for older children. To increase their enjoyment, nets should be attached to the goals. If only seven-a-side goals are available, these should be reduced in size using some form of marker. Failing this, goals can easily be formed using marker domes, cones or stakes. The two teams should also be easily distinguishable and a sufficient of different-coloured bibs should be provided for this purpose.
Technical aspects of the game
Technical skills such as possession of the ball, shooting on goal, passing, controlling the ball, running with the ball and heading are all used in the game. Thanks to the pressure exerted by opposing players, these skills can all be taught and enhanced. During training sessions instructors should ensure that each aspect of the game is worked on. If, for example, the focus of a specific session is on dribbling, a game format that develops this skill should be selected.
Small-sided exercises and game formats
Grassroots football is founded on two basic concepts: scoring goals and preventing the opposing team from scoring. The best way to achieve these objectives is to use the game formats adapted to and applied to different exercises.
The next level, involving several team-mates and opponents, requires more vision and involves more concepts of team-play and creativity. The more players there are in a game, the more complex it is. For this reason it is important to bear in mind the age of the players and to let them progress from small-sided games to games on larger pitches.
Another important aspect to consider is that young players touch the ball a lot in small-sided games and are unable to shield it from their opponents. This forces them to go in search of the ball, which helps make these games very intense.
Furthermore, no aspect of the game should be overlooked and matches should not be allowed to run on for too long. Substitutions, with replacement players lining up on the edge of the pitch, are necessary and help maintain the pace of the game/exercise.
Game formats not involving goalkeepers should also be used, depending on the skill level and the age group. To begin with instructors should ensure that scoring goals is easy as this encourages players to shoot, something that also aids the teaching of technical aspects. Before long, more skilful players will require more of a challenge and should learn how to score goals when under more pressure.
Such situations represent a more advanced level of play and require the use of greater amounts of skill. It is at this point that goalkeepers should be introduced.
It is also important that goalkeepers learn about the tactical aspects of the game (shooting, pressing, opportunities for attacking or counter-attacking, etc). Small-sided games provide an ideal opportunity to do this.
To sum up, young players touch the ball a lot more often in small-sided games. They play more passes and find themselves in one-on-one situations. The repitition of situations in which they have to make decisions helps them to learn and view the game positively. Active participation also increases their enjoyment, making it easier for them to understand the game and above all, giving them the freedom to express themselves on the ball.
I wish to thank President Blatter and his FIFA family for thinking of a sector of our most vulnerable, our children...For The Good of the Game...For The Good of the Children...Hence For The Good of the Globe. A tatau 'Tamariki Katoa O Te Ao'... For All Children of the World.
Kiaora kia koe Te Rangatira o FIFA
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