Playing Format

Under 6 & 7

Under 8 & 9

Under 10 & 11

Numbers

4 v 4

7 v 7

9 v 9

Field Size

Length: 30m

Width: 20m

¼ Full Size Pitch

Length: 40m - 50m

Width: 30m - 40m

½ Full Size Pitch

Length: 60m - 70m

Width: 40m - 50m

Field Markings

Markers or

line markings

Markers or

line markings

Markers or

line markings

Penalty Area

Nil

5m depth

x 12m width

5m depth

x 12m width

Goal Size

Width: 1.5m - 2.0m

Height: 0.9m - 1.0m

Width: 2.5m - 3.0m

Height: 1.8m - 2.0m

Width: 4.5m - 5.0m

Height: 1.8m - 2.0m

Goal Type

Goals, Poles

or Markers

Goals, Poles

or Markers

Goals, Poles

or Markers

Ball Size

Size 3

Size 3

Size 4

Goalkeeper

No

Yes

Yes

Playing Time

2 x 15 minutes

2 x 20 minutes

2 x 25 minutes

Half Time Break

5 minutes

5 minutes

7.5 minutes

Referee

Game Leader

Instructing Referee

Instructing Referee

How will children learn to play 11 v 11?
11 v 11 is a game designed for adults, progressing from 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 BEFORE 11 v 11 is a sound educational method and process. The progression helps players discover the differences in the size of the field and size of the goal, and the benefits of having more space, learning to use different and better developed techniques to play a more tactical game, as well as understanding the role of different positions and determining what best suits them.

When implementing Optus Small Sided Football formats your club may;
For the Under 8 and 9 age groups, it is recommended that clubs that wish to and have the capacity to do so use 3m x 2m goals. Should a club not be able to do this, the 5m x 2m goal is most acceptable for use on fields for the Under 8 & 9 age groups. FFA understands that clubs will use their existing goals however, when they need to replace existing goals or are in a position to make a change they should use the prescribed dimensions.

In the Under 11 age group, the final stage of development in the Optus Small Sided Football formats before players commence 11 v 11 football, it is recommended that where facilities and scheduling allows, clubs set-up the field from penalty box to penalty box and adjust the width of the field with use of markers to meet the maximum specified width.


Optus Small Sided Football Formats and the implementation
in 2009 Football Federation Australia (FFA) released the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum was a key initiative put forward in the FFA National Football Development Plan released in November 2007.

The National Curriculum aims to provide national guidance and an integrated and consistent approach to the development of players and coaches throughout the country.

As a result of a combination of the release of the National Curriculum and feedback from the football community, including Member Federations, associations, zones, clubs, parents and players, the Optus Small Sided Football formats have been adjusted for implementation at the commencement of the 2010 season and beyond.

The Optus Small Sided Football formats will be continued to be implemented in a staged approach, over several years under the direction and leadership of your Member Federations, associations, zones and clubs.