Junior Soccer Down South

[swannsong]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

[Hollygirl]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

From what I've been able to gather on here it seems the Southern area is quite different from North where there is E&D as a Federation alternative. For juniors there are really only fed clubs or school. SDJSA runs a purely school based competition for primary schools in their zone (I'm not sure about Noarlunga & Districts). It is a real issue for kids South of the City and many get disheartened by not making one of the fed sides.

[Hollygirl]

I should also add that you really need to get into club at an early age as there is a massive difference between cluab and school and it can be very difficult to get into club at an older age ie Under 11 and up....

[Missing Post Count]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

From what I've been able to gather on here it seems the Southern area is quite different from North where there is E&D as a Federation alternative. For juniors there are really only fed clubs or school. SDJSA runs a purely school based competition for primary schools in their zone (I'm not sure about Noarlunga & Districts). It is a real issue for kids South of the City and many get disheartened by not making one of the fed sides.

It's quite a young age for trials. Especially if a kid just wants to kick a ball. My son won't be of that age for some time, but he wants to play for sake of playing I hope he'll be able to do that.

[Hollygirl]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

From what I've been able to gather on here it seems the Southern area is quite different from North where there is E&D as a Federation alternative. For juniors there are really only fed clubs or school. SDJSA runs a purely school based competition for primary schools in their zone (I'm not sure about Noarlunga & Districts). It is a real issue for kids South of the City and many get disheartened by not making one of the fed sides.

It's quite a young age for trials. Especially if a kid just wants to kick a ball. My son won't be of that age for some time, but he wants to play for sake of playing I hope he'll be able to do that.

It depends what area you are in....certainly school soccer on a Saturday morning is (or should be) all about everyone being able to play the game. Unfortunately there is no back up club system to the federation in this area. Some clubs are more inclusive than others.....

[Missing Post Count]

It depends what area you are in....certainly school soccer on a Saturday morning is (or should be) all about everyone being able to play the game. Unfortunately there is no back up club system to the federation in this area. Some clubs are more inclusive than others.....

We're in Richmond, not far out of the city. Anything can happen between now and then, and who knows he may choose to take up another sport.

[Hollygirl]

It depends what area you are in....certainly school soccer on a Saturday morning is (or should be) all about everyone being able to play the game. Unfortunately there is no back up club system to the federation in this area. Some clubs are more inclusive than others.....

We're in Richmond, not far out of the city. Anything can happen between now and then, and who knows he may choose to take up another sport.[/quote

Yes....never know what kids are going to want to do....you are lucky as you have Adelaide Cobras in your area who are very strong on development and try to include as many kids as they can

[fb4e]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

you also got seaford and noarlunga down south, or you can travel a bit further north towards birkalla or cumberland

[swannsong]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

you also got seaford and noarlunga down south, or you can travel a bit further north towards birkalla or cumberland

What I find most annoying is that I live only 300m from the Panthers ground and it is up to 1-2 people to decide whether either of my boys are able to play there.
I don't want my boys to be "judged" at an this early age and it seems so much easier for them to join an aussie rules team where everyone seems welcome.
Where I played at Elizabeth Downs there was a great Junior set up and the senior Amateur team. You signed up for the junior club, took your chances and persisted. It created a great sense of club loyalty (I was with the club from 1968-1993 and then played a few seasons with Noarlunga Lions).
That sense of loyalty seems to me to be lacking down south.
By selecting players at such an early age you lose an enormous amount of potentially good players from football.

[Missing Post Count]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

you also got seaford and noarlunga down south, or you can travel a bit further north towards birkalla or cumberland

What I find most annoying is that I live only 300m from the Panthers ground and it is up to 1-2 people to decide whether either of my boys are able to play there.
I don't want my boys to be "judged" at an this early age and it seems so much easier for them to join an aussie rules team where everyone seems welcome.
Where I played at Elizabeth Downs there was a great Junior set up and the senior Amateur team. You signed up for the junior club, took your chances and persisted. It created a great sense of club loyalty (I was with the club from 1968-1993 and then played a few seasons with Noarlunga Lions).
That sense of loyalty seems to me to be lacking down south.
By selecting players at such an early age you lose an enormous amount of potentially good players from football.

Well said. I don't want my boy to be "jugded" at such a young age earlier. Kids need to be given the chance to devople.

[BeNatural]

Noarlunga & Districts offers both clubs and schools on Saturday but mostly school teams,

why not head out to the Cove Soccer Club, thats not too far from Panthers about 2 km away.

[Seaford FC]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

Hi Swannsong

Noarlunga & Districts Junior Soccer Association has around 2,500 players in various teams from Under 7s up. Check with your school to see if they play soccer in terms 2 and 3. If they don't you should be able to get a game with another local school that does play soccer see www.ndjsa.net.au, the fixtures from 2007 will give you an idea of what local schools are involved.

Seaford Football Club is looking for a small number of players in the Under 9 and 10 age group contact Junior Co-ordinator Doug Conway on 8386 2184.

[Hollygirl]

I have two boys, one aged 8 (under 9's or 10's)and another aged 5 (under 6's or 7's) and we live in O'Sullivan Beach.
Are there any teams in the near proximity apart from the Panthers (I don't think they're ready for TRIALS just yet) that are looking for lads that age.
I'm originally from the the North of Adelaide (Elizabeth & Districts) and the system seemed much easier there!

you also got seaford and noarlunga down south, or you can travel a bit further north towards birkalla or cumberland

Those don't help if you don't want the kids to have to go through trials....particulary Cumberland and Birkalla that usually have a large number of children trialling for a small number of spots......school soccer is excellent for those that don't want the pressure of trials...can play with their mates from school and all should be allowed to play

[fb4e]

swansong - if you want your kids to be involved in club football, get them in their early, most clubs at that level will not cut any or many players as i have witnessed in the past couple of years. i also know someone who is 16, his father didn't think his son was ready for club football and trials at the age of 9 or 10 and hence he didn't join, his father had this same opinon just last year but his son started playing this year and he struggled so much that he has now quit. I dont mean to judge your train of thought or insult you, just let you know of what i know has previously happened. (by the way, the father was an ex professional footballer in England and still made this mistake)

[swannsong]

swansong - if you want your kids to be involved in club football, get them in their early, most clubs at that level will not cut any or many players as i have witnessed in the past couple of years. i also know someone who is 16, his father didn't think his son was ready for club football and trials at the age of 9 or 10 and hence he didn't join, his father had this same opinon just last year but his son started playing this year and he struggled so much that he has now quit. I dont mean to judge your train of thought or insult you, just let you know of what i know has previously happened. (by the way, the father was an ex professional footballer in England and still made this mistake)

I have also witnessed many young players becoming disinterested because of the "trial" system.
My point is this, my youngest boy is 5 and appears to be more naturally gifted than my oldest boy who is 8.
I would like them both to play for the same club, chances are with the current system is that most likely, my younger child would be fine but the older child my not make the cut.
You are obviously entrenched in the system and think it works fine, you are as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine.
I can only compare my boys situation to that of my nephews who have grown up in the Playford area where, a good deal of junior soccer is based on zones. Yes teams are picked somewhat on talent but "squads" aren't.
It could also be that because I played most of my football "north" that I find football in the "south" to be a little klicky and I haven't had access to all the information, which was the intention of my initial post.
On the weekend my 2 boys went down to Christies Beach SLC to have a look at Nippers, they were immediately welcomed and joined in without judgement. That is how football should be at those early ages. IMO.
I leave you with something from another topic on this forum.

Investing In Our Future

Football Federation Australia
Policy Framework for Junior Football
VISION

All young Australian Footballers grow and develop a lifetime involvement in the game because they were provided with safe, enjoyable and appropriate junior sport experiences.

The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) Policy Framework for Junior Football

Is to guide the affiliates of FFA in their delivery of Australian Junior Football.

The policy is a set of FFA position statements, strategies and guiding principles to be used in conjunction with other FFA policies, from the national to the community level.

The need for policy guidelines for Junior Football was agreed after consultation with national, state and territory football federation representatives during 2004.

Providers guided by this policy are in a better position to give children opportunities to

have fun
be challenged
be well coached
experience the joy of achievement
be safe
learn in supportive environments
develop new skills
have easy access to the game
be made welcome and able to progress along a clear pathway.

What is its function

To provide a uniformed national framework and vision for the delivery of Junior Football throughout Australia.

Junior Football refers to the organisation and management of football and preliminary activities for young people aged 5 to 17 years.

There are nine sections in the FFA’s Policy Framework for Junior Football

Long-term Involvement: Creating a Passion for Football.

Support all children who play football in Australia, whatever their ability, so they fit-in, have fun, are given a fair-go, find friendship and fulfil their potential

[fb4e]

yes i can see your point swannsong, good luck with finding a club for the little tackers

[swannsong]

I thought I'd raise this topic again because I am still looking for a club (preferably without a squad selection process) within ~5 kilometres or so of O'Sullivan Beach for my 2 boys now aged 6 (U/7 or U/8) and and 9 (U/10).
Hopefully I might be able to be involved with whatever club that they end up with dependent on work and Council commitments.
Any suggestions !

[REDS]

FYI from the FFSA site - 26 clubs involved with a good number down south


Small Sided Games - November 14, 2008
Added by: Dimitri Peppas


The Football Federation SA will commence with Under 6, 7 and 8 SSG in 2009. This is will conducted internally due to the player numbers required for each game. SSG will be played concurrent with the Junior Calender.

"Small-sided games (SSG) is about learning, self-experiencing, having a lot of touches on the ball and above all, children having fun every time they step on the pitch. The future of your son, daughter or pupil, as a “player for fun” or as a future Socceroo or Matilda, must begin with SSG. As always, Member Federations, associations, clubs, coaches, officials and parents will play a key role in revolutionising and creating the right playing environment for our young players."

- Robert Baan, National Technical Director, Football Federation Australia (FFA)


What are small-sided games?
They are football games with fewer players competing on a smaller-sized field. They are fun games that encourage players to have more contact with the ball because fewer players are playing in a smaller playing area. SSG have a definite developmental impact on younger football players.

Why change to small-sided games?
It makes the game of football a better experience for children. More touches on the ball, more opportunities to make decisions, more actual play. Players will be more active due to playing both attacking and defensive roles within a match and will understand the importance of team-mates and playing and working together.

Do other countries play small-sided games?
SSG are played and endorsed throughout Brazil, Argentina, Japan, England, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, Germany, France, Korea and USA, to name a few. The idea of SSG is not new.

Benefits of small-sided games for your child
A significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where SSG are prevalent, which overwhelmingly highlight the following benefits:
• more touches of the ball by all players throughout all areas of the pitch
• more shots on goal
• more efficient use of facilities, given there can be multiple games on one standard-size field
• repeated decision-making experience
• the ball is in play far more often
• the emphasis is on player development rather than winning or losing
• better success rate leads to improved quality of play, self-esteem and player retention
• the game is easier to understand
• freedom of expression – no positions in early stages
• less perceived stress on the players
• less perceived pressure from coaches and parents
• parents more likely to volunteer for SSG game leader roles
• children enjoy the progressive and sequential game formats




For club contacts on SSG please see below or contact 8354 1422 or info@ffsa.com.au

For more information on SSG please click here http://www.ffsa.com.au/AAB5X11.asp?ItemID=46



NORTH

Modbury Jets
Contact - Keith Levett
Email - Keith.Levett@iplexpipelines.com or kjlevett@bigpond.com
Phone - 0405 299 583

Playford City Patriots
Contact - Greg Voigt
Phone - 0400 771 960

Raiders
Contact - Allan Sandery
Phone - 0418 895 898


SOUTH

Cove
Contact - Kerry
Phone - 0411 118 206

Cumberland United Foxes
Contact - Tom Schoen
Phone - 0403 007 536

Noarlunga United Bulldogs
Contact - Monika Cadman
Phone - 0401 452 806

Plympton Bulldogs
Contact - Mike Catlow
Phone - 0400 640 006

Seaford Rangers
Contact - Donna Robinson
Phone - 0428 820 821

South Adelaide Panthers
Contact - Wayne Osborne
Phone - 0439 933 323

Sturt
Contact – John Vander Veeken
Phone - 0411 609 880

West Torrens Birkalla Eagles
Contact - Theo Vrettis
Phone - 0411 667 419

EAST

Adelaide Blue Eagles (Full)
Contact - Bruno Mignone
Phone - 0412 107 924

Campbelltown City Red Devils (Full)
Contact - David Papalia

N.A.B.
Contact - Eugene Calabrese
Phone - 0437 520 811

MetroStars
Contact - Steve Whitehead
Phone - 0411 125 041



WEST

Adelaide Olympic
Contact – Peter Krinis
Phone - 0407 320 296

Beverley Lions
Contact - Oscar Fighera
Phone - 0419 032 483

Croydon Kings
Contact - Frank Bros
Phone - 0412 991 582

Pirates
Contact - Steve Dabinet
Email - stevedab@optusnet.com.au

West Adelaide Blues
Contact - Alex Alexandrou
Phone - 0414 254 090

Toros
Contact - John Heenan
Phone - 0418 814 546

Western Strikers
Contact - John Kolopelnyk
Phone - 0413381255

White City Woodville Warriors
Contact - Zelko Cosic
Phone - 0418 415 036



CENTRAL

Adelaide City
Contact - Elmar Schaffeler
Phone - 0412 198 880

Adelaide Cobras
Contact - George Karittevli
Phone - 0409 097 229

Adelaide Comets (limited vacancies)
Contact - Jim Keramidas
Phone - 0421 075 000

[johnydep]

What I find most annoying is that I live only 300m from the Panthers ground and it is up to 1-2 people to decide whether either of my boys are able to play there.
I don't want my boys to be "judged" at an this early age and it seems so much easier for them to join an aussie rules team where everyone seems welcome.
Where I played at Elizabeth Downs there was a great Junior set up and the senior Amateur team. You signed up for the junior club, took your chances and persisted. It created a great sense of club loyalty (I was with the club from 1968-1993 and then played a few seasons with Noarlunga Lions).
That sense of loyalty seems to me to be lacking down south.
By selecting players at such an early age you lose an enormous amount of potentially good players from football.

Good points, I understand your worry and concerns for the young ones but what can clubs do?

When I started playing, in the early 80's, there were no trials. These days I'm involved in trials, coaching, committee and I see all sides of the square. Our sport is growing; paricipation is high however it is hard to find enough coaches and volunteers to keep up with all the kids wanting to play. There was also a problem of clubs onlly allowed 2 teams per age group from the U12's up - this has recently changed with the introduction of the Metropolitan League.

Our clubs scenario - we had a good turn out for the U9, 10 & 11 age groups and the club had two coaches for each group. However, there were too many kids for two teams and not enough for three teams, on top of that we didn't have another coach.
What do we do?
We could have signed up all players and hoped that we could build the teams before the season started, and found a coach.
Or we can tell the all concerned the situation and allow them to look for a better alternative.

I've been involved with trials for 6 years, and each year is heart breaking. I'm still looking for a better way. Small Sided Games and the Metropolitan League may help us all.

There are no easy solutions in life, we can only play the hand were dealt with.

[swannsong]

What is so wrong with the model the E&DJSA has ?
Why does the FFSA development pathways have so many gatekeepers !
Regardles of numbers, I don't understand trials for any child under the age of 10 ?

[REDS]

8 yo's on an adult sized pitch

[swannsong]

8 yo's on an adult sized pitch

I was referring to how they get onto the pitch in the first place.

[REDS]

8 yo's on an adult sized pitch

I was referring to how they get onto the pitch in the first place.

oh ok sorry

I get the feeling things will change in time re trialing with some clubs but change will not happen over night.

You still have to have all the resources to look after your players eg trying to look after 300 players on one pitch with 5 coaches will probably not work

[johnydep]

What is so wrong with the model the E&DJSA has ?
Why does the FFSA development pathways have so many gatekeepers !
Regardles of numbers, I don't understand trials for any child under the age of 10 ?

I don't know the E&DJSA model, please explain it.

I'm not even sure about the FFDA development pathways and its gate keepers :? Both my kids want to make a career out of football, all I tell them is to practice with intensity and always give 100%. Don't chase pathways and don't close your eyes.

SSG's will end trials, we haven't had trials for them, only 'come & try' days. Eventually SSG will reach all the way to U12's. Read all about it here; http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Com ... m&id=20772

[johnydep]

I get the feeling things will change in time re trialing with some clubs but change will not happen over night.

You still have to have all the resources to look after your players eg trying to look after 300 players on one pitch with 5 coaches will probably not work

That's how I see it. Things will change, give it time.

Shame that our kids will miss out on what's coming.

[REDS]

But in saying that SSG's (6/7/8) you can fit 80 children on one full sided football pitch. 56 children 9/10 y/o and 36 11/12 y/os

yes you need game leaders but really there isnt much to being a game leader so vollenteers shouldnt be to hard to find.

[swannsong]

What is so wrong with the model the E&DJSA has ?
Why does the FFSA development pathways have so many gatekeepers !
Regardles of numbers, I don't understand trials for any child under the age of 10 ?

I don't know the E&DJSA model, please explain it.

I'm not even sure about the FFDA development pathways and its gate keepers :? Both my kids want to make a career out of football, all I tell them is to practice with intensity and always give 100%. Don't chase pathways and don't close your eyes.

SSG's will end trials, we haven't had trials for them, only 'come & try' days. Eventually SSG will reach all the way to U12's. Read all about it here; http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Com ... m&id=20772

I'm actually not entirely sure of the whole model myself, but having begun in that association many moons ago, and with my brother's children, boys and girls, currently involved at Elizabeth Downs, there is a welcome sign for all and is not based on trials.
I have explained it before, my 2 boys are quite different in their sporting prowess but both like the game and I would like them to play for the same club.
The club nearest to me is Panthers...with their trial system it would worry me if one of my boys were selected and the other not.
I guess I'm just slightly annoyed in that there are not many obvious alternatives close by ?

[johnydep]

Again, I agree. What's the point of having siblings at different clubs?

Our club's Junior Committee is trying to work out a 'loyalty' system; players and family are the club.

Hopefully other clubs are looking at similar ideas, as mentioned, I reckon SSG and the new league will help.

Another problem is coaches and club that want to build super teams. They actively chase talented players and then drop exisiting team members. Just develop the players you have, forget about the trophies until they are well into their teens.

[Green_Manalishi]

I should also add that you really need to get into club at an early age as there is a massive difference between cluab and school and it can be very difficult to get into club at an older age ie Under 11 and up....

It might depend to some extent on which club you want to get in?

Of the 13 kids in our U13 team that played in the North West Association schools comp this year, seven will be playing club next year - of those 1 started at U8, 1 started at U11, 2 started at U12 and two started at U13. Of the 13 players, nine had come through from the U8s together.

Four of the seven orginally started out with the intention of playing club, but the other three only went on to play club as a result of playing initially for the school team.

True the standard of play and coaching at primary school level is not always the greatest, but with a bit of effort, results can he had as the above shows.

GM

[redmum]

Hmmm, I did not realise that when my son turns 8, he will have to try out for games?
Talk about pressure!
Even at 8, I would imagine that he is out there for the fun of the game, this is the reason I am so happy with the SSG concept...there is no pressure, he is simply out there having fun. He does not know if he wants to still be playing the game at age 20, (although at the moment, he apparently will have replaced Eugene at AU by then!) so I am not pushing him into it.
My daughter is interested in playing also, and she has chosen to play for a different team, which her friends play for, but I can see Swannsong's point - what if she wanted to play at her brother's team, and wasn't selected?
I think it's a bit harsh having try outs for kids who potentially are just out there to play the game and have a bit of fun.
With the age of your boys, Swannsong, I suggest you phone the contacts listed re SSG...Redson is the same age as your youngest...and loves it!!