Small in size, big on heart in the Nepean District Soccer Football Association

13 Jul 10 @ 06:00am by CHRIS GEORGAKOPOULOS

SMALL-SIDED football has come a long way in the Nepean District Soccer Football Association, football manager James Rankine says.

The games allow children to get more touches on the ball for extra enjoyment and player development.

After beginning in 2008, Rankine says the new concept has progressed in its 2 1/2 seasons.

“There was a fair bit of disagreement with the concept of small-sided football at the beginning but that’s mainly been from an adult’s viewpoint,” he said.

“We think of competition and winning as being important but children see the participation, being with friends and having fun as the important things.

“This year Nepean has been able to put nearly 300 small-sided football coaches through the FFA Grassroots Coaching Course. This helps them understand the philosophy of small-sided football as well as giving good coaching advice, tips and practices.”

The NDSFA comprises almost 4000 small-sided players from the under-5 to 9 age groups.

“It has been proven time and again that young children learn best when there is little to no pressure. Football is no different,” Rankine said.

“It has been shown that players participating in a small-sided football game will be much more involved and have many more touches on the ball than if they had been playing on a big field.

“They not only have more touches and passes but more goalscoring opportunities and then more goals scored.”

http://penrith-press.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/small-in-size-big-on-heart-in-the-nepean-district-soccer-football-association/