TO:
ALL COMMUNITY CLUBS
FROM:
FFV TECHNICAL DIRECTOR & FFV COMPETITIONS
DATE:
FRIDAY 12 AUGUST 2016
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED UNDER 12 STRUCTURE (BOYS AND GIRLS) - 2017 COMPETITIONS
Dear Clubs,
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has mandated that we move the NPL Youth Under 12 program to a 9v9
Competition from 2017 onwards. Football NSW, Northern NSW Football, Capital Football, Football
Queensland and Football West have already commenced this new format or intend to commence in 2017.
In addition to these impending changes to NPL Under 12s in Victoria, it is also FFV's view that all Community
Under 12 Competition would benefit from changing to a 9v9 program on revised pitch dimensions to ensure
all players may properly transition from the MiniRoos format to traditional football structures.
However, a decision to make this transition will largely depend on feedback we receive from Community
Clubs over the coming months. That is to say, the collective views of Clubs will determine if these changes
can be implemented in time for the commencement of the 2017 Season.
Concept:
The new format intends to ensure more players are actively involved in play for longer periods, on pitch
dimensions that best suit the size, strength and stamina of the average player. Revising the format of
Community Under 12 Competition from 11v11 on a full-size pitch to 9v9 on a smaller (half-size) pitch is
proposed.
Purpose & Outcomes:
The new format intends to improve skill acquisition and development for 11 and 12 year old players who
participate in Under 12 Community Competitions. This format aims to provide a more technical-based
learning environment for players that is not focused on results and winning. Constraining players into tighter
areas promotes more exposure to the ball and promotes quicker decision-making under pressure. A smaller
coach-to-player ratio will also allow improved focus on individual players.
Overview
Community Competitions (at present):

Under 12 Teams are allocated to leagues based on grading requests (Kangaroos/Wallabies/Joeys)
submitted by Clubs and are clustered geographically to maximize the close proximity of competing
teams.

Match durations consist of two 25-minute halves, with 11 players per team on a full-sized field (i.e.
100 metres (length) x 65 metres (width), goals are full-size 7.32 metres x 2.44 metres.

Championship points are awarded for a win or draw and ladders are maintained to determine endof-season finalists.
Current pitch dimensions make it difficult for coaches to educate players on core football principles, such as
short-passing and constant movement when not in possession. Oversize pitches also lead to fatigue setting
in earlier, which further hinders the average player's ability to perform to their potential.
Another ongoing concern is the perception of an 'over-competitive' element within many of our competitions
at this age group. A result-driven mentality is often emphasised ahead of a development focus, which is
against what the sport is attempting to promote.
We provide the following recommendations, which is an adaptation of an existing proposal drafted by FFV
Technical Director David Smith and is currently circulating among NPL Clubs. The following has been
provided to all Community Clubs as a concept for 2017 only and we invite all clubs to provide feedback on
the below recommendations.
Pitch Dimensions
Recommendation

Matches will be played on half a full-size pitch (i.e. 55 metres length x 45 metres width).

Goals sizes will be reduced (5 metres wide x 2 metres high).
League Structures and Squads Sizes
Recommendation

Community Clubs will continue to submit grading requests (Kangaroos/Wallabies/Joeys) via the
FoxSportsPulse Online Team Entry System to FFV Competitions who will structure each competition
based on geography and viable team numbers (Min 6 teams, Max 16 Teams).

As in previous seasons, Clubs are allowed to enter as many Under 12s teams as required and grade
each team for Kangaroos, Wallabies or Joeys competition.

Mid-season re-grading will be permitted for Under 12's teams through a similar process undertaken
in MiniRoos competition.

It is recommended that clubs aim to select up to 13 players per team to ensure a balance in player
rotation.

Clubs may choose to designate players for the position of goalkeeper or may choose to rotate as the
need arises throughout the season.
Match Duration and Playing Time
Recommendation

Match durations will remain at two 25-minute halves and player numbers will revert to a 9v9 format.

Maintaining the current match duration for this age group will assist many Clubs, which already
struggle to manage their weekly fixture allocations within limited ground capacity.

All players should play a minimum of 50% match time (25 minutes) each week and coaches will be
encouraged to interchange players frequently to achieve this objective.

We are attempting to create more opportunities for the development of players in this format.

Frequent player rotation within an environment of player development is also intended to reduce
scrutiny on coaches and reduce conflict with players and parents.
Days of Play
Recommendation

Saturday and Sunday Competitions (Kangaroos, Wallabies and Joeys) will be offered to all Clubs
during the Team Entry Period, provided FFV Competitions receives viable numbers.
Points and Ladders
Recommendation

FFV will no longer record points and will not maintain competition ladders in Under 12 Competition.

Subsequently, match records and player IDs will no longer be required for this age group.

Discontinuing the recording of match results is intended to help coaches increase their focus on
player development and remove the temptation to restrict player rotations for strategic reasons.

If we want to change behaviour to encourage improved technical and creative play, we want young
players to play without fear.

Playing for points creates a results-driven environment, not a development environment.

We understand this will require a change in mindset and may be a hard sell with some coaches and
parents, but the bigger picture is more important than trophies at this age.
Coaching Requirements - Training
Recommendation

FFV will continue to work with all Clubs to promote Community Coaching Courses for all junior age
groups (including Under 12s). Although we strongly encourage all coaches to pursue appropriate
accreditation for teams they intend to coach, it is not required.
Players Restrictions
Recommendation

Players registering for Under 12 football can play for more than one team should the Club enter
multiple Under 12 sides.
-
This will help Clubs manage player numbers that fluctuate due to injury, unavailability, etc.
Freedom of player movement through Kangaroos, Wallabies and Joeys teams also allows
coaches the chance to reassess players and make adjustments as required.
With the removal of points and ladders from this age group, the incentive to play stronger
players in weaker teams no longer exists.
Fee structure for Under 12
Recommendation



A revised Under 12 format should see team entry fees and player registration costs reduced to fees
comparable with what is currently charged for MiniRoos teams and players.
Reduced costs at Under 12 level takes into consideration the following:
- FFV will no longer appoint referees to Under 12's fixtures which will be run by 'Game
Leaders' in much the same fashion undertaken in MiniRoos fixtures.
- FFV will no longer maintain results and ladders for these competitions.
Under 12s will continue to play in an 18-Round Season in line with all other junior football
competitions.
Moving Forward
We invite all Community Clubs to consider the above proposal for Under 12s as a starting point and
encourage all feedback to be provided through [email protected] by Friday 23 September 2016.
In the event the above proposal is endorsed, we would like to communicate a decision on the 2017 format
for Under 12s competition (boys and girls) by Wednesday 5 October, to provide Clubs with sufficient time
ahead of the 2017 season.
Regards,
David Smith
FFV Technical
Paul Marazita
FFV Manager, Community Competitions