U6 and u7 GUFC training program

MiniRoos training nights for u6 and u7 teams are usually:

  • Tues 4.00-4.45pm or 4.45pm-5.30pm
  • Wed 4.00-4.45pm or 4.45pm-5.30pm

MiniRoos coaches will be able to access gear and assistance from experienced GUFC coaches if required.

About MiniRoos

MiniRoos Football is football for boys and girls aged 5–11 years, played on smaller fields, with less players on a team and in an environment where the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than winning. It maximises participation for all players, leading to more touches on the ball, repeated decision making, more goals and importantly less perceived pressure on young players.

Pitch size, player numbers and goal dimensions all gradually increase as children move through the age groups, with the under 6s playing 4×4 and progressing through to 11×11 when they reach under 12s. The laws of the game also gradually change throughout this progression to reflect the changes in understanding, awareness as well as the physical development of players.

The Sutherland Shire Football Association first introduced SSF in 2008 for u6-u9 age groups. This has since been expanded to include up to u11.

The role of MiniRoos coaches (you!)

Your role as coach is to make the football experience of every player and their families in their team as enjoyable as possible. MiniRoos coaches should provide the best environment for children to learn and enjoy the game by organising fun game based practices. Good personal and organisational skills are important and allowing the children to learn through playing the game with minimal instruction and a focus on player development.

Each game is to be controlled by one Game Leader. The main role of the Game Leader is to keep the game moving fluently, limit stoppages and assist players with all match restarts. Most importantly, they must make every effort to create an environment that ensures that all players have fun, are learning the game and have maximum involvement.

The Game Leader can be a club official, parent, older child/player or beginner referee and should always be enthusiastic and approachable. Most importantly, remember the children are learning the game – be flexible and patient.

The Game Leader should:

  • Encourage all children to have fun and different children to take re-starts;
  • Ensure the correct number of players are on the field;
  • Discourage players from permanently over-guarding the goal;
  • Check all players are wearing shin guards;
  • Encourage children to dribble or pass ball to team mates rather than kick the ball long;
  • Ensure the opposing team is back to halfway for all goal line restarts;
  • Ensure team officials and parents create a safe, enjoyable and positive playing environment for the children;
  • Encourage children to be involved in all aspects of the game, attacking and defending;
  • Award free kicks as appropriate to help children learn the rules and consequences of committing fouls;
  • Praise and encourage both teams; and
  • Be enthusiastic and approachable.

Learn more about MiniRoos

To help GUFC MiniRoos coaches, the Football Federation of Australia’s website features a wide range of information and resources on Small-Sided Football. Go to www.playfootball.com.au/coach