Salisbury United’s Small Sided Football community doubled in size in 2012 and the club is also enjoying an increase in the number of volunteers since adding more teams.

The club now has 47 SSF players after adding two U6 teams, an U9 team and an increase in numbers in U8s, adding to teams in the U11 age group. 

This has seen parents and other family members contributing to the club, not only volunteering their time to the football department, but assisting in the canteen and other functions at the club.

Salisbury SSF Coordinator Annmarie Cox welcomed the support offered by all the volunteers at the club, even those who do not have any children involved in SSF.

“The increase in SSF players has lead to an increase in volunteers as the parents, and other family members want to be involved with their children's sport,” she said.

“We have had parents become involved with undertaking the SSF training provided by the FFSA at our club and learning about what is SSF as well as how to be a Game Leader or Instructional Referee.”

“We have had a few parents help with opening the canteen on training nights and helping to organise functions such as our presentation day.”

“Salisbury United SSF is also very lucky to have the help of a few people who don’t even have any children participating in SSF but have put up their hand to coach and also in running the canteen on game days.”

Cox admitted all the volunteers at Salisbury United feel a great sense of pride and achievement through their contribution to the club and there is a real community feel amongst the SSF family.

“Volunteers are so precious and it does bring much joy to us to know that not only are we enriching the lives of our own children but the lives of other children too,” she said.

“I really enjoy coming to the club and feeling like I’m part of the community in providing a place for children to learn, to have fun, and play football in a wonderful environment that hopefully will be in their lives for many years to come.”

“Our coaches are always smiling when taking about how much the kids have improved in their ball skills this year. You can see the sense of achievement in their faces knowing that they have been an integral part in the children's development.”

Salisbury United is looking to grow its SSF community and the club will be participating in Salisbury Council’s ‘Growing for Gold Program’ –  a free come and try sports program for children run during the school holidays on Wednesday 26th September.

Cox said with participation numbers continuing to increase, Salisbury United’s SSF will be integral for the future success of the senior team.

“We would like to continue to build on the wonderful relationships we have made this year and to welcome new families going forward,” she said.

“We want to build on the skills of the children year by year and watch with delight at their continued improvement. Salisbury United SSF would love to increase our numbers into the future.”

“We want to build loyalty to the Salisbury United Soccer Community from a young age, and would hope to see some, if not all of these players continue to eventually being the players of our first team.”

Each week we are putting the spotlight on a Junior Club. If you are interested in having the focus put on your club, email info@ffsa.com.au