D a truer word never more said 4v4 and 5v5 with keepers is how our game should be structured up to 12 years of age.
I don't believe the naysayers bit because the FFA has never fully backed Futsal and if we are to develop the technical abilities we need to succeed at the Gold Standard World Class level we need Technique WE NEED FUTSAL. In schools would be a start , so many schools now have indoor facilities and we are losing these facilities to Basketball. Crazy stuff in my mind.
In 2017 Under 12s in BPLV will be half pitch 9v9 and about time too.
They have left the Community Clubs to play full pitch CRAZY STUFF AS WELL.

I have been reasonably critical of the curriculum because of what seems to an outsider to be too much of a theoretical approach. To be honest, i have only really know what is discussed on here, plus i have seen a document with google, which surely couldnt be the whole document and a couple of links to some slide shows. Plus of course plenty of posts from decentric and others. With that being said, i think it is unfair to criticise without putting something up, so, without knowing what the real curriculum actually says. I think i am going to have a go at developing my own theoretical curriculum for the benefit of the game in Australia. I will do this over the course of time. Feel free to criticisise, comment, ridicule or whatever.

Phase 1 - Structure of the Game.
This will probably be one of my most controversial areas. I propose that the summer based A league needs to stay. I think it is a success and it has more potential to promote the game away from the major games of League and AFL. There are also advantages with venue hire. I do however propose some serious changes to the format of the A League.

Most agree that we dont play enough games in the a league. In order to fix this, i propose an additional 10 teams to be added to the A League, leaving us with a 20 team A league. The additional 10 teams will come from North Qld, Gold Coast, Woolongong, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, Geelong, Morwell, Adelaide, Perth.

The salary cap will remain the same for the current 10 teams. The 10 new teams will be limited to a cap (excluding the two marquees) which is limited to 50% of their turnover. All new teams are required to own their own stadium and should budget for crowds of 1000 to 2000.

The idea here is not do all the fishing in the one spot, just because there are fish there. It is better to fish next to 100 fish on your own than to fish next to 1000 fish with 100 other people. The sides have been strategically placed in areas where there is not only a reasonable sized population, but more importantly, there is generally a regionalised television station, meaning that the A league side can monopolise the local area and grow the sport in these regional areas. Slowly growing soccer as the major sport in these areas. Also, with regards to pay tv, it makes it more attractive to the game, because each of these areas will have a small number of dedicated fans who will likely purchase pay tv just to see their team, as opposed to those in the city, who already have a reason to buy pay tv.

The draw of the Aleague will be simple. The current 10 sides and new sides will play each other twice they will play the other side once. This will essentially add an extra 9 or so rounds to the current competition, bringing the league into line with the major European leagues. Whenever a current side plays a new side, the current side is away. The reason for this is because it will save on the huge ground rents. It will also mean that when the big sides come to town, it will be a big occassion for the regional cities. The FFA, will also take the opportunity to adjust the draw, so that the rounds where there are all current vs new sides can take place during Fifa windows or when clubs have large Asian Cup committments. This would reduce the pressure on our successful sides without compromising the number of games. I also think that there is an advantage to the current A league sides in that even with the likes of Newcastle or Central coast struggling, the extra games will see them get some big wins, and be seen by their fans as big clubs rather than wooden spooners. I think this would help the main clubs maintain healthy crowds.

In relation to payment for this competion, i think that the travelling costs could easily be paid for by the current tv deal, even if the grant to clubs had to be reduced slightly. With a small salary cap, it shouldnt be too hard for the other new clubs to survive, particularly if they are chosen from existing clubs who are surviving with less exposure and on similar budgets as things are right now.

The other advantage of this is that it allows the lesser clubs access and assistance from the FFA in things such as providing publicity and guidance on promotions etc. It allows the clubs in smaller areas to professionalise things, in particular the organisation of junior teams. The aim would be for each club (particularly the new ones) to work with the junior clubs with those clubs becoming true representative teams of the areas.

TV coverage, is obviously limited to what foxtel wants. Not all games from the newer teams would be necessarilly covered, but that would depend on their ratings and how they ultimately sell themselves and perform. I expect that in time, foxtel would want to cover them all, but that is not compulsory, imo. The emphasis of the FFA running the game would not be so much on fairness to clubs, but on running the game in a competitive environment with the emphasis on growing the game and the best long term interest of the australian game. I would expect non televised games to be available through internet streaming which would be well advertised, perhaps even on the foxtel site. Most importantly would be that with the one competition the talk shows and sometimes news shows would pick up stories on the new clubs and this publicity would help them double their current sizes in terms of spectators, at the very least.

Playoffs: The playoff system would be a top 5 play off. I really think that this has always been the fairest and best system and the one where teams know what they have to do and where they have to finish. Such a system also allows the new teams to jag a place or two in the system, but it is unlikely that they would be able to actually win or even make the grand final without being good enough to beat the best Current team. It also means that only the very best current teams will make the playoffs so that any team making the playoffs will see the year as a success,rather than now where supporters of teams who made the finals last year couldnt really care less and considerd the year a complete write off. At least more supporters this way, will be happy and the concept of the finals will expand because of it. There will also be a playoff between the best old team and the best new team. The winner of this game shall switch groups.

A second division. A second division would be an option down the track. However, it would need to stay in witht the same concept in that it would include teams such as Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Port Moresby, Bathurst, Bendigo etc. The aim of this division would be to keep up the wide geographic spread adn attack the game at grass roots level in the country and smaller areas. Promotion and relegation would require the promoted team to beat a relegated team.

NPL. The NPL would play an important role. I would keep it as it is in a state run competition, though i would try to increase publicity by promoting it on the FFA table (Tables and fixtures at a bare minimum). Trying to use FFA publicists (it does go without saying that i would hire better ones) to promote the competition and even pushing foxtel for a weekly highlights show or talk show. I think this might be reasonably successful in the off season. if they wont do it, i think an internet stream, if worked properly would probably achieve the purpose.

FFA Cup. this would stay the same, though the round of 32 draw might ultimately become a round of 64 draw. I must admit that i have always preferred the random draw to the seeded draws which have become popular nowadays so i would revert to the random draw, for no other reason. Depending on whether or not it is considered that we ahve enough games, i would consider a traditional league cup which might involve the NPL Finalists (plus the best kiwi side if they want in) and the A league sides. Obviously, only the finals would be televised at first and it would be expected that the A league sides use their squads adn start their younger players.

Junior and amateur Football. Off season 5 aside competitons and futsal are encouraged. This is to help develop skills as well as to encourage youngsters to develop 1 v 1 skills and play midweek on training nights if they want to. up to under 8s, the small field would be used and 6 aside. Under 9s should use a three quarter field the size of two under 8 fields with three quarter sized goals. U 10s should use the big field, although probably should use the u9 sized goals, which could easily be moved inside the proper sized nets.

In relation to the bigger fields, i think it is very important to keep the 11 aside. The reason for this is that we need to teach our kids the importance of learning the shape of a team and their positional play. Or how other players need to support the ball carrier etc. At this age, it is easy to teach players to try to beat 10 players and hog it because that is what they all do. it is much more important to teach midfielders not to stand in the box all day or centreforwards how to pass the ball. The bigger fields allow the players time to work on their passing game adn their defensive structure which is going to be all important as they get older. I would consider a rule of no kicking over head height outside the attacking third in order to stop the big boot and long ball games, but i am undecided on this at this stage.

Scoring and tables are kept for all ages. I find it utterly disgusting that their is a modern trend to take away grand finals at a young age for children. This can be the highlight of most children's lives, winning a grand final. And many kids dont play the game after u 10 level and to see so many of these kids being robbed of this life time thrill which would stay with them for ever, just because of the political correctness of some do gooders is a sickening modern day trend to me. I also think that doing this will provide more enjoyment for the kids, who will in turn be more likely to stick with the game adn prefer the game to other codes. Conversely, this will attract other kids to the sport and ultimately improve the state of the game in australia. Knockouts, Carnivals etc should be promoted. I wouldnt mind seeing an age level FFA cup style set up where the grand final winners or premiers ultimately play on at a carnival somewhere for State honours and eventually national honours.

Phase 2 - The Representative Game.

Phase 2 of the curriculum is the representative game. The rep game is one of the most important areas to the growth of the game, becuase the socceroos have a huge power to attract juniors to the game and to raise the profile of the game. in fact, in many ways it is one of the major purposes of the entire curriculum. We want to win the world cup and dominate the sport, although ultimately the game can have other goals and achieve other purposes, such as developing opportuinities and lifestyles for young players or providing an effective community support structure etc.

The first step in any organisation and the most important step, imo, is the appointment of the coach. The FFA needs to think long and hard and needs to secure the best person for the job. They do need to work with clear goals, and in this sense it should be a minimum 4 year tenure, with the goal being to win the world cup. Obviously when evaluating performance, a second round appearance would usually be seen as a success, and sometimes even just a world cup appearance. But, the goal needs to be to aim to win every single game that is played and in particular ever single tournament that is played.

The coach needs to be carefully considered and he should be appointed for a minimum 4 year period so that he has time to implement his philosophies and styles. The coach selected should be the very best avaialble (not necessarilly Australian). The key though must be to have him selected by an experienced panel of coaches or ex coaches/players and ensure that he can do what is being asked. He should have a proven ability to coach winning teams, he should be given clear guidelines and no 1 should be his ability to select the best players and teach them the best. I see media engagement as a low priority and if this is a problem, his assistant can take over those duties.

He also needs 110 percent support, no matter what, once he is selected. Coaches dont go bad overnight. PLayers need to know that they must play to the coaches instructions and in any disputes the coach is the one who is supported. No player can be worth more than the team. I see virtually no reason why the coach's position should ever be terminated early and i think it is important for the organisation to support their coach fully. ON the rare occassion where action does need to be taken, the FFA needs to come clean and place the blame at their own feet. They knew the coaches ability when they appointed him and if he isnt up it, it is the FFA's problem.

For what it is worth, i would recommend Ange as the current coach as the best option available at the moment. Having appointed the coach, the FFA should then appoint those underneath him. In my opinion, there should be a close consultation with the coach in relation to the technical director, and also the support staff. All decisions must be made by a board of proper experienced personnel. And by experienced personnel, i am not talking about guys who have been around a long time, but about guys who have been around a long time and actually win things or achieve them. The coach of the junior teams are probably the most important positions outside of the senior coach and are maybe more important.

It is not good enough to simply appoint Australians to a position, just because they used to be good players or because they have completed an A1 course or whatever. There should be an international search, and the people chosen should be the players with the very best CV and who are experienced at winning football games and more importantly developing players. I think that these coaching positions are very important and they should be given to experienced coaches, not just guys who are cutting their teeth waiting for an a league position. This is where we should be aiming for the likes of Gombau, Arnold, Popovic and others of similar ilk Rather than guys like Vidmar, Okon etc, who arent really up to A league level yet. I would not mind seeing the pay for these posts increase substantially if (and only if) it means we get first class coaches.

In relation to training, i think that completion of badges should be encouraged, but is not the be all and end all. I see no reason why we cant employ "unqualified" coaches if they have the record up their application. In fact, i consider the reports from explayers and employers 100 times more important than physical level of coaching qualifications.

The mandate for the junior teams, imo, needs to be the same as the senior coach. They need to select the best players available and try to win each and every game. Obviously their will be some restrictions such as having to select entire home based sides for costs or whatever, but at the end of the day, every player selected in an Aussie side should win his place on merits and earn his selection. The days of picking an under 12 side to play an under 16 tournament (or whatever they seem to do now) are over and that practice is outdated. It doesnt help anyone.

Saying this, obviously if a 16 year old is earning a start in a premier league side due to injury, the coach has a right to leave him in that side, if it is in his best interests. His ultimate goal is still to provide the open socceroos side with a side capable of wining the world cup, this cannot and will not be done unless he teaches players the habit of winning against the worlds best sides and allows them opportunity to improve their game. Unlike now, where we use non selection as an excuse because of the "brand" of football we play and results dont matter, we pick the strongest possible side Now Save for a handful of clear exceptions (such as experimenting with players, or letting a player stay and earn a place with his club etc) the players picked will be the best available.

With regards to the sides, the FFA needs to get a lot more proactive with the recording and televising of all of these games. There enough games at this level and enough interest in the game to get internet streams and television broadcast deals. for clubs at this level, and this level should be pushed as i believe that it is a valuable source of both income and media publicity that can help all levels of teh game.

Phase 3 - The Philosopy.

The buzz word in modern soccer is Reactive and proactive play. Most modern thinking prefers proactive play to Reactive play. However, this is an artificial distinction and a side should not limit themselves to playing one particular facet, as the best sides are effective at both styles. In general terms, proactive play is most important for a team when they are in possession of the play, while reactive play is generally best for a team without the play. In reality, this distinction is not one which players need to concern themselves with.

The better thinking is for the player to be encouraged to "go at them" or "be positive" when they have the ball, and to settle on their structure and shape, as soon as they lose the ball. It is important that sides are positive (proactive) with the ball and whenever possible, yet saying this, they also need to be reactive and ensure that they are always aware of the opposition, and are ready to make their runs and direct their attacks according to where the oposition are weakest (reactive). Likewise the same should be the case without the ball. A player must always be aware of their players and the dangerous players and position themselves (and their teammates accordingly). Saying this, once they have their shape, part of this plan should be attacking the opposition and forcing the turnover (proactive). The most effective form of defense is a combination of the two, when the player picks their time to be proactive and force the turnover. A player also needs to ensure they are aware of their own team mates and taht they attack in defence, as a team or unit. It is useless for one player to dive in, if he isnt supported by his teammates.

The name of the game is possession, and the philosophy is to obtain possession for as long as possible, predominantly in the opposition half. This is best done by attacking the opposition, no matter how good they are. In fact, players should be constantly thinking about how they can attack and how they can create scoring opportunities. The best time is often on the break when the defence loses the ball but this must be balanced, and sides also need to be patient in attack. When a player has the ball, they should be prepared to play the easy ball, whenever possible. Those around him should strive to give him two or three or more off the ball options.

As a general rule, if the player has no options on the ball, he should usually run with the ball. Ideally towards the goal of course, but sometimes just into space. What this does is it opens up the play and creates space for other players and uncertainty in the minds of defence. A player should always stay alert and monitor the opposition and his own players for opening of space and opportunity.

Also very important is the golden rule of first touch away from the opposition player. If a player remembers these golden rules, they will go a long way towards starving the opposition of possession and winning the game.

In defence, a player must firstly get behind their players and get their shape. ONce they do this, they will be able direct other players into position and monitor. However, having found their shape, they should also remember the general philosophy which is to always go at the opposition. If the player is aware of the state of the game, he will be able to assess who needs marking and push other players on. Sometimes, depending on where the play is at, a player may be able to take a bit of a risk to create quick attacking opportunities on the break. this should be done though, only where it is safe to do so. Often a player can defend an attacker by dragging them back into the defence. They do need to be aware of their defence though and not throw caution to the wind.

It goes without saying that chances should be taken in the opposition half, not in your own half. If you are going to make a mistake it should be somewhere that you are not going to be punished. This is why, where possible, it is best to play out of defence as quickly as possible and with as little risk as possible.

As a general rule, the ball should never aim to be hit any higher than head height, whereever practical. The players should aim to always hit feet and to keep the ball on the deck. This allows team to knock the ball around and keep possession. It is important for the two wide players (usually the midfielders and/or fulbacks) to stay wide and hug the touch line, when the ball comes to their side. this allows the side to play around the opposition and create havoc in behind the fulbacks.

One thing which players need to be careful to understand is that while the aim and philosophy is to always attack and dominate possession, this is not done by simply throwing players up front, although sometimes this will be required. For example, a midfielder who is playing well and enjoying space does not necessarilly help the side offensively by moving forward and playing beside the centre forwards. IN fact, the side is helped offensively by the midfielder resisting this temptation and staying back in the centre of the park, as he can draw defenders away from the attackers. Attack is about shape and balance, not aimlessly throwing players forward. More will be discussed later in the curriculum when the role of different players is talked about.

The highline should be used with caution in that the defence should always aim to move the attackers out as quickly as possible, when the defence gets the ball. However, this needs to be balanced as when the side doesnt have the ball, the fulbacks need to be careful not to rely too much (if at all) on the offside trap and should always aim to provide depth and cover. Cover is also very important in all other positions and players must be ready and think about covering their team mates.

the offensive attitude must be complemented by a win at all costs mentality. Players need to be taught and trained to go the extra yards to win the ball or the game. A player must be prepared to run and to win the ball and/or do whatever it takes to win the game. It is true that keeping the ball on the deck is designed to make the game more enjoyable, easier and more attractive to watch, but at the end of the day, we do this give ourselves the best chance to win by staying true to our philosophies. We dont aim to kid ourselves. if we are regularly playing well, we will win. Brutal honesty in performance and evaluation is the only way. if we are not winning games, we are doing so because we are not playing well enough. We fix this by staying true to our philosophies and improving our performance, not by pretending that the result is not important and all will be well in the future.

The preferred formation of choice is the 4-4-2. This is the most flexible of all the combinations and allows players to easily learn derivatives of this formation and make minor adjustments which allow the formation to adopt to individual game circumstances. MOre of this will be discussed later during the coaching phase. Though in reality, players and coaches should strive to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of all different styles. A player who understands and is well practiced in the 4-4-2 theory will be able to easily adapt to other derivatives of this style, such as the 4-2-3-1 which seems very popular at the moment.

The rationale about why 1-4-3-3 is preferable as a development system is that it involves playing in a lot of triangles and diamonds inherent in the formation.


Later having familiarity in this system, supposedly makes it far easier to adapt to a 4-4-2 with a flat midfield , than going from a 4-4-2 to the 1-4-3-3. Heavyweight international football boffins assert this.

Next stage of the curriculum is the centre backs.

I think this will be the most controversial part of the curriculum, and who knows, maybe just maybe this is one part that needs modernisation, but i would will stick with what has always worked in the past. 

there are two different types of centre back.  The stopper and the sweeper.  The sweeper is the centre back who needs to take control and organise the back four.  The sweeper will try to play 5 yards behind the stopper where possible.  He should always be the spare man, with nobody to mark, but he should position himself to clean up the loose ball or the breaking attacker. Nowadays, the opposition nearly always plays one striker, which means there will be a spare man.  If they play two up front, he will need to decide whether to call back a midfielder, call in a fulback, or even pick up the spare man himself.  This will depend on the flow of the game and there often will not be one best solution. 

One  trick to always get  depth, is for the sweeper to yell for the offiside.  This will instinctively force the forwards to take a step backand the tigh marking fulbacks will usually follow.  Even when the forwards are on side, this usually buys the sweeper a yard or so.  It is very important for the sweeper not to become too shallow, which is a common problem in the modern game.  With the sweeper being the spare man, there is a huge opportunity for him to move forwards and actually attack the opposition and get into good positions.  A good sweeper will pick his moments but can be very dangerous.

When the ball comes out of defence, he needs to be certain to clear out his back line quickly.  This is really the only time that the offside trap should be played, particularly with the recent rule changes.  the trap is also

As a position, the sweeper doesnt need to do as much quick running as other positions, because he plays with depth and doesnt need the blinding space.  He can also distribute from this position.  Skilful players who can read the game like Paul Okon, Craig Moore, Ned Zelic are ideal for this position.  They run the defence and make use of attacking opportunities.  Often, the more experienced players will take over the position, when they get older.

The Stopper plays a lot tighter on the centre forward.  He must make sure that he doesnt give the centre forward any space and doesnt allow him to turn.  He needs to win his tackles and be the first to all 50-50 balls. When he wins the ball, he should look up quickly and he should make use of the simple ball to feet, but he needs to be sure that he doesnt take any chances.  The player selected here will usually be taller and often strong and physical.  Heading can be very important in this postion.