What is SAFA grassroots football, and who is it for?

SAFA's grassroots football follows the FIFA Grassroots Programme, which SAFA publishes as part of its coach education material. It is for boys and girls aged 6 to 12, and can run in schools, communities and clubs.

Its philosophy is "the game is the best teacher":

• everyone has the opportunity to play
• football can be played anywhere
• there is no discrimination
• the game must be simple, exciting and rewarding
• small-sided games
• fair play must be respected

Activities are mostly festivals (one-day events mixing small-sided games and skills workshops) and tournaments, run by trained coach-educators. The rules are recommendations that can be adapted to the children's age, skills and surroundings.