Grassroots Football in Australia - Group Presentation of Problem Solution

How can we provide solutions to the barriers in the attitudes, philosophy and style of grassroots football in Australia?

(6-12 years)

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Presented by “A.S.A.P.” Anthony Siokos (5835) Sam Gafsi (4640) Adam Raw (5741) PD112: Group Presentation of Paige Grant (5845)Problem Solution - Prepared by 26/11/2009

Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Interview: We sat down to talk “Grassroots Football” with Former Socceroo & SBS Chief Football Analyst,

Craig Foster

26/11/2009

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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What is grassroots football? 

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“Grassroots football is everything that is non-elite, essentially all the kids playing the game, it is all the junior clubs” (Foster, 2007).

“Everyone who has played football started out as a grassroots player” (Roxburgh, 2004).

Figure 1. “The Football Pyramid” (UEFA, 2004, p.6)

Play Clip 1 26/11/2009

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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The barriers in developing a national philosophy 

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The football community has to firstly realise that we need change which has been very difficult to get across The first major hurdle is understanding and acceptance from the whole football community that we need to change Football in this country has been run from ground up not top down A Federal-State system has meant the States have had their own autonomy, Football Federation Australia (FFA) needs to change this PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Report of the Independent Soccer Review Committee: Grass-roots   

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26/11/2009

Significant reduction in participation rates from juniors to seniors Lack of facilities at the grass-roots level The national league to have rookie player contracts and commitments to grass roots Lack of integration between schools and clubs Cross-boarder policy regarding junior representative teams French-style soccer academy to be Figure 2. “Independent Soccer Review” developed for Australian juniors (ASC, 2003) Further promotion of the game to Indigenous people PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Independent Soccer Review: Grass-roots Issues 

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26/11/2009

High costs of talent identification and coaching courses appear to be roadblocks to the development of game Club system to be fully integrated between juniors and seniors, and men and women A compensation scheme for clubs (that is, grass-roots clubs) who develop players who are then transferred Soccer Australia needs a long-term facilities plan for each state to harness the growth at grass-roots level Improved links with the Australian Institute of Sport and state institutes of sport, regarding high performance programs for the sport PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Independent Soccer Review: Grass-roots Issues (cont.) 

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26/11/2009

The commissioning of a development conference, say once a year, to investigate and discuss coaching, player pathways, high performance programs, junior programs, etc.

The accreditation programs for coaches in Australia are seen to be too onerous and prohibitive Ten per cent of transfer fees generated from the sale of NSL players should be returned to the game for further development (Australian Sports Commission, 2003, p.86) PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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The key to developing a national philosophy is understanding 

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“Australia is a submissive football culture, deep in the throws of a colonial mentality, paying undue homage to motherland influences that are beyond their time and regressive to our football interests” (Murray, 2006, p.263).

“The major impediment in this country to developing a philosophy is that we haven’t had one” (Foster, 2007).

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

Figure 3. “French Grassroots Junior” (UEFA, 2004)

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Grassroots Philosophy The key principles are: 

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Everybody has the opportunity to play Football is everywhere There is no discrimination Action must be dynamic, simple, exciting and rewarding Safety is a priority Players come first Fair play must be respected Relationships, teamwork and skill development are key components (UEFA, 2004, p.7) PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Football Diversity: Which style do we choose?

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PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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The Development of an “Australian” Philosophy 

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Play Clip 4 26/11/2009

If we want to compete with the best in the world we have to develop an attitude, philosophy and style starting at our grassroots Those who argue over which country has the best philosophy for Australian football to model tend to miss the broader objective We need to adopt a philosophy which is focused less on physicality and more on technique “Technique and physicality exist on this mutual continuum” (Foster, 2007).

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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National Coaching Licences: A pathway for better coaching  

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Bring in the Dutch “Youth Licences” and focus on coach education We’ve had Guus Hiddink, now we’ve got Rob Baan (FFA Technical Director), it makes sense to continue down that path This will incorporate better methods with proven success and a clearer philosophy It needs to be simple for people to understand By improving coach education and implementing a national philosophy we will then be able to produce better grassroots footballers

Play Clips 5, 6 & 7 26/11/2009

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Football Federation Australia: What role should the FFA play?   

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To stimulate interest in grassroots football through promotional activities and materials To provide expert assistance, facilities and equipment to the associations To organise educational courses and conferences To create guidelines for grassroots programs based on best practice To generate new ideas for players, coaches and officials In relation to the grassroots level, their roles and responsibilities are not meeting the high demands of the junior game, in particular the Development and Coaching aspect PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Finances & Funding: Where to better spend the money 

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Funding has been put into the FFA but distributed at the wrong end $3m has been proposed for distribution to a national “Youth League” and not where it is needed at the local grassroots level Federal Government confirm $16m funding boost “This Australian Government funding will continue to cement the further growth and success of football in Australia” (Brandis, 2007, citied in Bernard, 2007).

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Coaching & Development: Did somebody say change?

The FFA needs change in 3 main areas:  Coaching Courses (Coaches need re-coaching)  Development of a “National Coaching Structure”  “Ideally, whoever the technical director is, the national coaching structure would be under his auspices… He would establish the culture, construct the strategy, plan the program, set the goals and implement the model for football in Australia” (Warren, 2002, pp.334-335).  A national curriculum for schools and local football associations (replace “Telstra Football Anytime”) 26/11/2009

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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FFA National Coaching Scheme: The current structure of licences

Figure 4. “FFA National Coaching Scheme” (FFA, 2007)

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PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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“Keep the Ball” Coaching Program: A National Football Curriculum  

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Play Clip 9 26/11/2009

500-1000 touches of the football per training session, emphasising more touches of the ball Focus on that critical moment – the first touch of the ball, not to just “boot it long”, activities/games for development Creating an enjoyable atmosphere, with limited pressure, more focus on game sense skills and passing Emphasis on keeping the ball (high possession %) Implementation of the program nationally to schools and associations Schools are a term-by-term basis, while Associations are seasonal from approximately March-August PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Football vs. The Rest: Other Sporting Codes 

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Competing codes in Australia, for example, AFL, have “Auskick Development Programs” in schools and associations (Development Officers NSW Wide = 30), NRL, have “ARL Development Programs” throughout schools and associations (Development Officers Australia Wide = 250) In comparison the FFA has no National Development Program/Structure for juniors and has only 20 paid employees nationwide There is no structure in place, can not compete and will not beat rival codes if change is not implemented, hence producing the “Keep the Ball” Coaching Program PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Football vs. The Rest: Other Sporting Codes (cont.) 

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Development for the “Grassroots” level of football should be divided in between 2 categories, schools and associations Approximately 3 Technical/Development Officers in the specific areas of each State:  Northern Regions  Southern Regions  Eastern Regions  Western Regions One paid Director of Coaching/Technical Director for all local Football Associations across Australia to implement the “Keep the Ball” Coaching Program and oversee the development of Coaches at grassroots level PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Youth Skill Development: Small-sided games (SSG’s) 

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Play Clip 10 26/11/2009

Critical analysis on how States currently regulate grassroots football activities Why we need compulsory implementation of SSG’s What the benefits are in utilising modified games for youth skill development It’s about having fun while learning from highly skilled coaches

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Breaking News…!

Technical Development Review 

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26/11/2009

Technical Development Review into grassroots document comes out over next few weeks, has been delayed for some months now Review committee went overseas to 6 countries (US, Japan, Holland, Brazil to name a few) Discussion on playing format for kids at grassroots level focusing on modified games where Australia needs to catch-up Taking competition points out under the age of 13, it’s about pure development, learning the game, not playing for trophies, removal of this negative “results culture” PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Technical Development Review (cont.) 

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26/11/2009

13’s and over only to play full size and for competition points Every State has signed up with FFA to bring this in across grassroots over the next 3 years This is a much needed change and implementation of a national philosophy It gives kids the opportunity to learn the game while having fun and will increase the standard across the country (Orsatti & Foster, 2007)

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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The Culture of Australian Sport: Why Football is counter-cultural  

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Play Clip 11 26/11/2009

Understanding the fundamentals No longer seen as a game for sheilas, wogs and poofters Football is the world game. Can it become the number one football code in Australia? Why not?

“Football to be played in the right way is actually counter-cultural to Australian sport, because all of our sport is based on physicality” (Foster, 2007).

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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An online survey of grassroots coaches in the Sutherland Shire

26/11/2009

Have been coaching for a minimum of 2 years

78.9%

Coaches who hold a Coaching Licence (min. Junior) (including “Grassroots Football Certificate”)

63.1% (73.6%)

Parent coaches (i.e. coaching their own child)

92.1%

Coaches aware of Club’s philosophy

73.6%

Coaches who have a “Coaching Director” available

84.2%

500 touches during each training session

39.4%

Use SSG’s in training sessions

100%

Coaches that value “development” over “winning”

100%

Experienced “parental coaching” from sidelines

100%

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Paige Grant: A reflective case study  

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My playing background My experience with coaches The different attitudes, philosophies and styles of coaching I have received over the years Why I believe we need change Why I love the game Figure 5. “Paige on the ball”

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PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Questions?

26/11/2009

PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Reference List Australian Sports Commission. (2003). Report of the independent soccer review committee into the structure, governance and management of soccer in Australia. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Author.

Bernard, G. (2007, September 11). FFA land $16m funding boost. The Daily Telegraph, (Football Fever) p.39.

Murray, L. (2006). By the balls: Memoir of a football tragic. Milsons Point, NSW: Random House Australia.

Orsatti, A. (Presenter). & Foster, C. (Analyst). (2007). Shootout: Grass roots development [Online Streaming Video]. Sydney: Special Broadcasting Service.

Roxburgh, A. (2004). Watering the grass [Electronic version]. UEFA Grassroots Football Newsletter, 1, 3.

Union of European Football Associations. (2004). Grassroots philosophy. Geneva, Nyon: Author.

Warren, J. (2002). Sheilas, wogs & poofters: An incomplete biography of Johnny Warren and soccer in Australia. Milsons Point, NSW: Random House Australia.

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PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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Illustrations List Australian Sports Commission. (2003). Report of the independent soccer review committee into the structure, governance and management of soccer in Australia. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Author.

Football Federation Australia Community Homepage. (2007, August 13). Retrieved September 12, 2007, from http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Community/default.as px?s=community_newsfeatures_news_news_item&id=10269 Union of European Football Associations. (2004). UEFA Grassroots Programme. UEFA Grassroots Football Newsletter, 1, 1.

Union of European Football Associations. (2004). What is grassroots football? UEFA Grassroots Football Newsletter, 1, 6.

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PD112: Group Presentation of Problem Solution Prepared by Anthony Siokos, Sam Gafsi, Adam Raw & Paige Grant

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