Our U5 girls finishing a game of “Mr Wolf” – season 2011
Overview
Our Saturday Program is designed for children turning 5,6 or 7 during the calendar year (making them U5, U6 & U7). In 2012 we are planning two sessions running for 1 hour and using the main synthetic pitch. The sessions will be run on Saturday morning (9.30am to 10.30am & 10.30 to 11.30am) during our winter season (April until September).
Our aim is two-fold – for your children to have a wonderful time learning the basics of the “beautiful game” and for you as parents to be introduced to club sport and the Redbacks club culture. It is important for new parents to understand that the Redbacks is fundamentally a volunteer run club and our greatest strength is the breadth and depth of the fantastic volunteers who coach, organise and administer our club.
Program
Our Saturday Football program consists of “skills” component and a “game” component. We begin our session with a 30 min component of fun games that focus on a particular skill. In each 30 min session a number of fun games will be played and these change from week to week. We have incorporated the FFA National curriculum into our program and all the skills we aim to teach are appropriate for the age group.
Following the skills session we play small sided football for 30 min. At this age level the format is an eight size pitch and 4 v 4 with no goal keeper. The games are low key but it is during this controlled competitive environment that our players can put into practice the skills they have been learning.
Organisation
The main synthetic pitch is divided into 8 small grounds with small goals. On each pitch we run groups of 10 to 12 children. Each group is coached by (preferably) two coaches. The coaches are parents and we facilitate the training of parents who are interested in becoming involved with their child’s sporting endeavours. The groups (in most cases) are all similar ages but we do move exceptional children to ensure their football experience is a positive experience. We have the canteen open during our Saturday and each week one parent “group” is responsible for helping in the canteen and running the BBQ.
All of the coaches and organisers of this program are club volunteers.
Registration
Registration for season 2012 will be open early in the new year. Registration is via the Myfootballclub website (see our registration page). This website is a FFV run website and from this we receive your details (so we can contact you). All players must be registered.
Questions & Answers (for more FAQ’s click here)
I would like to try out before we commit. Last year our program was full before the season even started. We are happy to allow you to try out but once our program is full then this option is no longer available. Refunds are not available.
How do I work out my child’s age group again? If your child is turning 6 in 2012 the he/she is U6
I am interested in coaching. What is involved? Coaches help run the 60 min program. All “drills” (in reality fun games) are co-ordinated by our SSG head coach and at our “coaches meeting” prior to each session we run through the plan for the day. All coaches need to complete the “grassroots” coaching course run by the FFV – its a fun course and we try to run two courses per year at our home ground during the year. All of our coaches (throughout the club) are mentored and helped to develop their skills. It is a wonderful way to get involved in sport with your child. For more information please contact our Saturday program organiser (see below)
My child is a bit tentative during the games. What should I do? Your child is normal. Our present Saturday program director has been involved in junior football for many years (and has 6 children of his own) – here is his advice – “Encourage your child and don’t give up. If you become frustrated your child will pick up on this and some of the fun will be lost. Many children feel more comfortable if they can just watch from the sidelines initially and this is just fine. Every child is different but we try to make it fun for all.”
My child doesn’t want to come today. Once again your child is normal. “I have had three of my own children progress through the Saturday program and not wishing to attend occurs from time to time. I suggest always bringing your child as their reluctance usually dissipates within the first few touches of the football. There is also the issue of teaching commitment and resilience - not just important in football but important life skills. Playing club football is about SO much more than just kicking a ball!”
I think my child might be a talented footballer. Fantastic! She or he will thrive and we will ensure that the football environment is always challenging. For example some of our talented U7 children played in an U8 team and we also run extra programs for our talented footballers.
To contact the Small Sided Football Saturday Program Director email SSFU7@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
