A significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where smallsided football is 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 and 1 v 1 opportunities
• more efficient use of facilities, given there can be multiple games on one standard-size field, re-size existing
  smaller fields or make use of previously unused areas
• 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 pressure and sideline angst from coaches and parents
• parents more likely to volunteer for Optus Small Sided Football game leader roles
• children enjoy the progressive and sequential game formats