Small Sided Football (kids soccer – 5-9 Years) – 2011 Registrations Now Closed!!!
Following a very succesful launch in 2010, Middle Park Football Club continues its kid’s football program in 2011. Responding to great demand for a junior soccer program in and around Albert Park, the community driven volunteer club MPFC runs a scoccer for kids (aged 5 to 9) program on Saturday mornings.
MPFC kids’ soccer program is officially called Small Sided Football (SSF), and is organised in conjunction with Football Federation Victoria and Optus as a key sponsor. SSF is designed to meet the abilities of children (boys and girls) from the age 5 to 9 years. The SSF program acknowledges the very different needs and developmental characteristics of young kids in this age group.
About The Program
Small Sided Football is a modified form of regular 11-a-side soccer, designed to meet the needs of girls and boys from 5 to 9 years of age. The philosophy of Small Sided Football is based on enjoyment and freedom of expression for kids, with limited emphasis on coaching. Our program managers, acknowledging the formative years of kid’s development, facilitate kids having fun, being introduced to a new sport and learning some skills in a fun and playful way.
Almost without exception, young players in the major football nations of the world are introduced to the game through SSF. Brazil, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Germany, Japan, USA and Korea all introduce their young players to the game using this approach. Considerable research has been conducted into the benefits of SSF in many of these countries. Overwhelmingly, the findings have shown that SSF, compared with traditional 11-a-side football programs, is a more enjoyable format for young children and it is a more effective method of improving their technical ability as junior football players.
Program Format
SSF is a fun and non-competitive environment introducing kids to football. Players are organised in relatively small groups of up 10 players with a "MPFC game leader". In an hour long session, the MPFC game leader will take the kids through a warm up followed by practical exercises and skill development. The aim is to let the kids learn by doing and playing, with minimal coaching from the game leaders. At the end of each session the group plays a small sided game where the players can practice the skills they learned during the sessions.
Each MPFC game leader is qualified by the Football Federation of Victoria and has obtained ‘working with children’ qualifications. All MPFC game leaders and administrators have also successfully completed a police check.
We invite all SSF Mums and Dads to assist the MPFC game leaders and get actively involved throughout the SSF program. Both the club and your child will appreciate having you involved. No football experience is necessary.
Program dates, time and venue
The SSF season commences Saturday 30th April 2011 and will run for 16 weeks. SSF continues during school holidays and / or school breaks. SSF sessions are organised on Saturday mornings, starting at 930AM (Children should arrive no later than 915AM for a 930AM start). The sessions run for around 1 hour.
Middle Park Football Club is located at Albert Park with club rooms at the Pitt buildings and our ground is right behind the Pitt buildings (gound location). Due to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, for the first few weeks of the SSF season we will use an alternative ground until the Grand Prix officially vacates Albert Park Reserve mid to late May.
Costs and what’s included
To introduce your kids to the most popular sport in the world, supported by a community driven football club, a fee of $200 per child includes: two shirts, shorts, cap, bag, a water bottle, trophy and 16 weeks of football focused on enjoyment and freedom of expression.
Get involved and register
To register your interest please click here or to speak to a coordinator, please call 0423 440 683.
Spaces are limited so please register early!
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the club
MPFC Junior's sponsored by: RT Edgar – Albert Park
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Frequently asked questions:
Q: What age can my child be to register?
A: If your child is 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 years old before 7th August 2011 then they are eligible for Small Sided Football at MPFC.
Q: How much does it cost and what does this include?
A: Registration is $200 a season for 16 sessions including two shirts, shorts, kit bag, hat and water bottle.
Q: What time and where?
A: Saturday mornings from 30th April 2010 for 16 weeks. 915AM for 930AM start for one hour. Ground TBC but in the Albert Park area. We are scheduled back in Albert Park Reserve when the Grand Prix vacates mid to late May.
Q: Does my child have to attend training?
A: There is no training for Small Sided Football. The Saturday morning sessions are designed for introducing kids to soccer and as such contain a fun training element to the game.
Q: How do I know my child will be safe?
A: Each MPFC game leader is accredited by the Football Federation of Victoria. MPFC game leaders have obtained ‘working with children’ clearances and all MPFC SSF volunteers have successfully completed police checks.
Q: Is your organisation FIFA approved?
A: Optus Small Sided Football is endorsed by the Football Federation of Australia and operated by the Football Federation of Victoria. These organisations operate under the international rules of FIFA (the global governing body of football).
Q: May I drop off my child and pick him/her up at the end?
A: Regardless of the presence of dedicated game leaders and availability of onsite first aid during all sessions, we require all participants to have a parent / guardian present at all times.
Q: What other equipment may my child need?
A: Shin pads must be worn to participate in Small Sided Football. In addition, you may like to consider the weather. The sessions will go ahead regardless of the weather, unless there is a chance of danger.
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