This year, Football Federation Australia, in conjunction with Optus are providing 55,000 participants Australia-wide with a welcome kit including a free backpack, football and t-shirt to wear on and off the field.

When children are not practicing skills with their new football, there's a fantastic interactive website that’s a great place to learn about the game.

www.smallsidedfootball.com.au

By signing up to www.smallsidedfootball.com.au players can watch Lucas Neill, captain of the Qantas Socceroos demonstrate football skills and drills which can be watched and practiced at home.

There’s loads to do on the website, including:

* Add photos and videos in the 'My Gallery' section and share them with your friends. The best images and video’s uploaded will win prizes throughout the season!

* Create your own football character and player card

* Swap your player card with your friends and then add them as friends to your home page

* Collect ‘badges’

* Get your official Optus Small-Sided Football t-shirt printed with your nickname and player number

* Have a go at the keep-ups game

* Review the downloadable resources for OSSF in the ‘Parents and Coaches’ section

Check out www.smallsidedfootball.com.au today, have fun, keep practicing and we’ll see you on the football field soon!