So, what is being an Under 9 all about ???
Under 9 games are now played as part of
a concept in the ACT called "ClubStart" - started in 2003.
Generally Clubstart encompasses each club "hosting" several
other clubs in a turn-about fashion with other clubs to have a sort
of gala-day effect. The way it operates is that Canbera is arrranged
into areas of several clubs each. We are in the Northside area. Each
area may be slightly different in its overall approach but the idea
is to have teams all playing at around the same time at the same place.
You can download a ClubStart
Frequently Asked Questions document.
Also, a strategy document has been released
via the Junior League on the "Future
of ClubStart".
Timings for Training
and Games.
Training is held every weekend 1 hour
before the scheduled game is due to commence. This allows the players
to get properly warmed up and be able to move straight from the training
into the game environment. For the more advanced under 9 players, they
are welcome to train with the under 10 side who train on Monday and
Wednesday afternoons at Amaroo from 5.00pm to 6.30pm. Please let the
under 10's coach know that you intend to join in.
Clubstart games are scheduled to start
at 11am or 12pm on Saturdays. There are 5 teams with approximately 6-8
teams participating in the Northside competition and these are broken
up into 2 games in the first hour and 2 in the second hour. Each team
plays only the 1 game on the day which consists of 3 x 13 minute quarters
(approximately) as per the agreed rules for Clubstart.
What happens at and
away from training ???
What is likely to occur?
To assist the coaches, basic skills of
kicking, marking and handball should be practiced away from training
nights and in that sense we ask parents to encourage the kids and support
them in achieving this. The difficulty the kids new to the game face
is in trying to take in so much about actually playing the game while
still coming to terms with fundamental skills, at an age that normally
they would (or should) have had probably a couple of years up their
sleeve in learning the basics. So any help to make this transition phase
enjoyable is appreciated.
Hopefully the things we will spend time
on to improve are then:
In any case, we will spend what we can
on improving each player so that hopefully by the end of the season
they will have improved by at least 15-20%.
What to wear for games
and training?
The club will provide socks and shorts
for each boy which you get to keep (all part of the membership cost).
Jumpers are provided at the beginning of the season and you are responsible
for this and returning it at the end of the season (unless the manager
has organised an alternative approach).
Normal game-day playing attire is boots,
socks, shorts and jumper. However !!! This is Canberra and winter is
cold. Skivvy's under jumpers are ok on the colder days (both long and
short-sleeved guernseys). The emphasis is to have fun, not freeze to
death. It might be worthwhile also having a spare set of clothes for
occasions where the wet has entirely soaked through the gear.
Training attire is generally whatever
will maintain warmth but will not impede on movement. For instance,
tracksuits, old footy jumpers etc are common. Remember that as training
involves some physical activities i.e. tackling, then clothes that parents
would not like to see ripped or obliterated should not be worn.
Boots.
The club has a 'boot pool' where you can
purchase a set of pre loved boots for a small fee (please see one of
the committee or coaching staff about this) but mostly you will need
to organise purchase yourself. It is strongly recommended that proper
football boots are purchased for players that include the flexibility
of playing in both wet and dry conditions. The grounds in Canberra are
generally soft enough in winter to enable boots with larger stops to
be worn. Moulded soles and Grass-sports type boots can lead to slipping
in adverse conditions.
While on slipping, a recommendation is
for higher cut boots i.e. those with protection around the ankles, to
assist in supporting and holding firm the developing bones and ligaments.
Though it may not look cool it will provide some assistance to stop
rolling over on the ankles (without the need for strapping). If getting
these boots is difficult, then at least look for the tie-up ankle braces
which are readily available.
Also, keep an eye on the actual size of
the footwear as players at this age tend to find an inch or two etc
over the season so it may be wise to have a bit of give.
Mouthguards.
We wish to advise all parents that the
club has a mouthguard policy whereby all players must wear
one. While the Under 9 competition does not apply tackling rules
it nonetheless has other opportunities for accidents around the face.
Accidental head clashes do occur and footballs, arms, hands and knees
etc do hit kids in the face, besides, starting early encourages good
habits for later in life when the kids join the competition level teams.
Headgear (Helmets).
Protective headgear is not compulsory
but for parent peace of mind as well as helping players gain confidence
then we strongly recommended its usage. No one is discouraged from appearing
on the field with one on or suddenly deciding to wear one when they
haven't previously. Players should not be discouraged from wearing headgear
- especially if friends or other players want to ridicule them either.
Drink Bottles.
The 9's are supplied with water during
games but we strongly support and welcome the practice of players supplying
their own bottles. This is primarily to get them into a habit of using
their own equipment and being responsible for keeping fluid intake up.
For training, the boys are encouraged
also to bring their own water bottles.
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Junior AFC
against the round it means that a match report exists so click on it
to go to that report.