On Saturday 9th of July Perth Glory FC’s small sided games initiative Glorious Fourz absolutely smashed their participation record!
Record Glorious Fourz numbers at Melville City Soccer Club
On Saturday 9th of July Perth Glory FC-s small sided games initiative Glorious Fourz absolutely smashed their participation record! 43 teams of 210 players between the ages of 7 – 12 played 4 vs 4 games. This has completely eclipsed the previous record of 30 teams and 180 players at Subiaco AFC-s Rosalie Park on the 11th of December 2010. With 1 hour of continuous football – 8 minutes per game, it was fast, furious and a lot of fun!
Beginner, recreational and elite juniors all gathered to play in a tournament that emphasizes the participants taking control of their own environment and making decisions based on their team-s game play. The coach in this case is viewed more as a facilitator of a learning process as opposed to directing each player to follow his or her instructions. In essence the “Game is the Teacher” and the player learns as the game unfolds. This is one of the biggest components of our development philosophy for players aged between 7 – 12.
“This G4Z event is the largest we have had to date” said Perth Glory-s Community and Development Manager, Callum Salmon. “We were extremely pleased and excited by the number of participants as well as the enthusiasm of the young players”.
Teams from all over made the trip to Melville from as far a-field as Sorrento, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Cockburn to Mandurah. And teams were made up of school buddies, from their clubs as well as friends from different clubs.
Isabella Wallhead from Cockburn City said “I really like the Glorious Fourz tournament and I can-t wait to do it again soon!”
The Glory were also out in force considering it was ‘International Game Day- with the Glory playing Celtic that night. Along with the quality coaches there was Riley Woodcock (U17 World Cup Mexico), Victor Sikora (Dutch International) and Chris Coyne (Socceroo) to sign autographs. And as well as signing autographs the boys kindly sold lollies for us for our “Give Cancer the Boot” initiative, they are skilled in many ways!
Fiona Lynn, Coordinator of our Rooball admits that she was very pleased with the event at Melville:
“I was really happy with how the Glory organised and managed this event, with such a large number of kids it could have been chaotic, but it ran extremely smoothly”.
Fiona added that she was impressed with the coaching staff who not only encouraged the kids in their games but gave helpful hints and tips to the players. “This not only adds to their enjoyment but provides a learning experience too”.
As well as playing football and having fun, each player will receive a voucher to attend one of the first four Glory home games, continuing the association with our A-league Team.
Perth Glory FC will run further clinics in the next school holidays, to join in the fun please email community@perthglory.com.au
If you-d like to always know what-s happening with
“Glory in the Community” please click on “Glory 4 Kidz” HERE
