The small sided game has been the biggest growth areas of recreational football in recent years, with The FA Football Trends survey revealing that 2.6 million adults and 2 million children play SSF, compared to 1.8 million adults involved in 11-a-side football.

With a growing number of centres staging SSF, Rachel Tarr, The FA’s Child Protection Manager, says that it’s important that child protection issues are considered and appropriate policies implemented.

"A sound child protection policy can be a good advertisement for centres," she says. "These days, everyone wants to ensure their children are being taken care of properly.

"Staff and volunteers want to make sure they are protected from allegations of poor practice by being properly informed, as well as knowing what to do if they have a concern.

"Part of that process will mean having a recruitment policy which includes CRB checks, so that companies can ensure they have the right people involved with their centres."

Dermot Collins, The FA’s National Manager for Small Sided Football, says that, when analysed, the increase in figures is easy to categorise. "Much of the growth is attributed to three categories of providers:

  • companies that construct facilities
  • companies that hire facilities and organise competitions
  • the local authority sector

"There is some very good provision taking place with affiliated referees being used, along with high quality playing in well administered competitions with excellent social facilities," he adds.

"The FA wishes to help highlight those facilities that provide players and officials with a safe and enjoyable experience of SSF, and for this reason has introduced a two-level kitemark known as The FA Small Sided Football Award.

"To qualify for this award, providers must satisfy the site assessors that they are able to fulfil a range of criteria related to the quality of the facility, management of the competition, health and safety and – for the upper award - a commitment to offer football development opportunities.

"For the growing number of SSF centres and competitions that provide for children there is also a requirement that safe and effective practice is adopted in relation to child protection," Dermot points out.

"This is particularly the case where coaching is being offered to children or there are mini soccer competitions or youth tournaments, or increasingly popular football parties are being staged. The FA is keen to assist SSF through the important issues of adopting and implementing policies, training staff CRB Unit checks and case management.

"We hope that this new Award Scheme allows those who provide Small Sided Football to associate themselves with The FA and thereby give greater prominence to one of the most vibrant and healthy areas of our national game."

For further information, e-mail Dermot.collins@TheFA.com