The Small Sided Games initiative is part of a comprehensive new programme to develop participation in, and support of, grassroots football in Northern Ireland. As Official Community Partner of the four UK Football Associations, McDonald's provide a range of programmes designed to support coaching, encourage participation and celebrate those who make grassroots football possible. These programmes will seek to coach another one million children, support 400,000 volunteers, train an additional 30,000 coaches and support 6,000 football clubs by 2014 - providing more football opportunities for all.

The value of a McDonald's Small Sided Games Development Centre is to provide children (6-12 years old) with an opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills and creativity. The Small Sided Games model is an effective meth for developing ball skills and game awareness because it increases opportunities for players to have contact with the ball and to both attack and defend without the tactical regimentation that can occur in 11v11 football.

Competition is a central element in a player's development. However a competitive environment should not be a result orientated environment. A competitive environment at this level should encourage decisions from players and coach alike that focuses on performance rather than outcome.

Ian Stewart,
IFA Small Sided Games Co-ordinator