FIFA’s Grassroots program differs from other soccer development program in that it’s organizational framework offers a great deal of flexibility. There are, however, major guidelines that do need to be followed, and it is in these areas that FIFA can lend valuable support.
The first phase: analysis on the ground
The successful implementation of Grassroots initiatives is dependent on an accurate appraisal of the work situation on the ground, an evaluation of the country data and an assessment of local needs. This work, which is carried out by FIFA in conjunction with the national soccer associations, is essential to the success of all Grassroots programs.
This initial phase allows the program objectives to be put into a local context and to tailor resources so that these goals can be achieved:
- To introduce boys and girls (6-12 yrs) to soccer at a grassroots level
- To promote the concept of grassroots soccer
- To develop grass roots soccer activities
- To increase participation in grassroots soccer
- To upgrade training and match facilities
- To train instructors as coaches/educators
- To encourage parents and volunteers to take part
- To forge bonds and create links with all stakeholders
- To create a “ grassroots development structure”
- To increase visibility and attract interest from the general public
- To identify sponsors, events, representatives (key figures)
The seminar and the festival
Planning and the identification of key aspects are followed by two essential phases that form a vital part of the Grassroots program.
The first is a seminar organized by FIFA and attended by budding coaches/educators. Lead by FIFA’s specialist instructors, the seminar provides an opportunity to study every facet of the program: methodology, knowledge of the specific circumstances of the children taking part in the coaching, safety, technical aspects and small-sided games.
The second phase is the Grassroots Festival, with the emphasis being on the word “festival”. This celebration of soccer gives each participating team the chance to play the same number of games, which are interspersed with exercises.
The idea behind the Festival is to provide children with a positive experience and to give them all the same opportunity to play, without an overall winner being declared at the end of the day. This is not always possible in tournaments, where teams can be knocked out quickly, denying young players a chance to play and sometimes giving them a negative impression of the game.
Mission & Objectives
The Grassroots program is an initiative in with FIFA, its member associations and their respective education authorities work closely together to encourage young children to learn about soccer and human values and to enjoy the game as much as possible. In short, it aims to bring happiness to children the world over.
“FIFA’s main objective in creating the Grassroots program is to bring as many people as possible into the game, because soccer is a school of life.” – FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter
The concept
The Grassroots program is aimed at boys and girls between the ages of size and 12 and can be set up in schools, local communities and clubs.
Grassroots soccer is:
- Open to everyone.
- A game that can be played anywhere and by anyone – there are no barriers.
- Easy to play, exciting and rewarding.
- A fair-play game.
The objectives of the program
The main goal of the Grassroots initiative is to get as many people as possible involved in the game, instill human values and, above all, to bring enjoyment to youngsters simply by letting them take part.
Its focus is the players themselves. And while soccer is the most popular and widely played sport in the world, there is no reason why we should not continue to encourage young boys and girls to take up the game.
Grassroots soccer must also be inclusive and embrace the many different communities, cultures and organizations it encounters around the world.
Grassroots soccer offers fun and enjoyment. It can also be played at schools and clubs and provides young players with regular training and matches.
Soccer is the main source of pleasure for many children around the world and offers them a means of making friends and expressing themselves.
The Grassroots initiative puts the focus on playing the game, and the basic philosophy behind it that there is no better teacher than sport.
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