Hey there, MiniRoos Game Leader! Welcome to the South Cardiff Community Football Club (SCCFC) family, where you’ll embark on an exciting adventure helping young footballers aged four to 11 learn the game, make new friends, and have a great time on the field. As a game leader, you’ll play an important part in nurturing the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas while building your own confidence and skills, all in a supportive environment.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and guidance on how to be a confident game leader and excel in your role, making sure our young players get the most out of their MiniRoos experience. Remember, as a game leader, your primary objective is to create a positive environment where children can learn, have fun, and actively participate in the beautiful game of football.
Tips for Being a Confident Game Leader
- Introduce yourself to the coaches at the beginning of the game, letting them know that you’re leading the game.
- Use your whistle whenever you need to stop play and speak loudly on the field so that players can hear you.
- Make clear directions with your hand when the ball goes out, pointing in the direction that the team who will get the ball are going.
As a game leader, your main job is to keep the game flowing smoothly, limit stoppages, and assist players with match restarts (when the ball goes out of play). You’ll also work hard to make sure that all players are having fun, learning, and getting involved in the game. It’s all about being enthusiastic, approachable, and patient, as these young footballers are just starting their journey.
Here are some essential duties and responsibilities of a MiniRoos game leader:
- Encourage all children to have fun and invite different players to take restarts.
- Make sure the correct number of players are on the field.
- Discourage players from permanently over-guarding the goal.
- Check that all players are wearing shin guards.
- Use a “Ready, Set, Go” prompt to encourage quick decisions when restarting play.
- Encourage children to dribble or pass the ball to teammates rather than kick the ball long.
- Make sure the opposing team gives enough room during goal line restarts. You can stand where you believe the defenders should be and ask them to line up alongside you.
- Work with team officials and parents to create a safe, enjoyable, and positive playing environment for the children.
- Encourage children to be involved in all aspects of the game, both attacking and defending.
- Award free kicks as appropriate to help children learn the rules and consequences of committing fouls.
- Explain the rules to players and why a free kick has been awarded.
- Let the game flow and give instruction to all players on the run where you can.
- Be confident in your decisions. It’s okay to occasionally be wrong when you’re making calls and being confident signals to the players that they have to respect your decision.
- Praise and encourage both teams.
Support from the MiniRoos Coordinator and Club
Our MiniRoos coordinator, Rob, along with duty officers and club committee members, will be there to help you throughout the season. Each week, we’ll ask for your availability for the coming weekend and will list a game leader roster by Friday each week.
For the first week, please meet Rob next to the canteen for introductions and to make sure you have everything you need, like a shirt and/or whistle. If you’re new to being a game leader, it might be helpful to have a parent with you on the sidelines for encouragement during the game. Rob will be there each week to provide support and guidance but will need to oversee all games during each timeslot, so it’s a great idea to have someone with you throughout the game while you’re learning.
Remember, don’t stress! Being a game leader is an amazing opportunity to build your skills towards becoming a full-fledged referee, all while having fun and earning a little pocket money. The club will be there to help and support you every step of the way. The main thing is to enjoy yourself, learn throughout the season, and develop invaluable skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life!
Understanding the Rules
As a game leader, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the MiniRoos National Playing Formats and Rules, which outline the specific rules for each age group (5-7, 8-9, 10-11).
Having a clear understanding of the rules will help you lead the game effectively and support the young players as they learn and develop their skills.
In Conclusion
Becoming a MiniRoos game leader at SCCFC is a fantastic opportunity to build your confidence, make new friends, and contribute to the development of young footballers. By following the tips and guidance in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fun, positive, and inclusive environment for all our MiniRoos players. Embrace the adventure, and remember that the club is here to support you every step of the way!