Goran Stajic is over the moon with how far the Inglewood Football Institute has come in such a short period of time. Launched six months ago, the Institute offers age-appropriate coaching to boys and girls in line with Football Federation Australia’s National Curriculum, with a focus on controlled ball possession and attacking football.

“To say I am happy would be an under-statement, we have exceeded our expectations,” Stajic enthused. “Player enrolments over both terms have been terrific. For our inaugural intake we started with around 25 players and now for Term Two we have over 50 players aged between 5 and 15 years of age signed up.”

“The feedback I’m receiving from parents – about the sessions, training, coaches and facilities – has been resoundingly positive. We set out with the goal of providing every child the opportunity to play football, regardless of skill level, and foster a love for the world game … I feel we are delivering on all fronts.”

An integral part of the Institute’s early success has been a non-competitive, family-friendly environment. “The Institute is unique in that we’ve taken the competition away from the game and every child has a ball at their feet the entire time which, going by the smiles on their faces, they enjoy,” explained Stajic.

“Through this approach each player is challenged technically, and parents can see clearly the great strides their son or daughter is making from one week to the next,” he added. “We have had players sign up who have never kicked a football. To have them now dribbling the ball and striking it with aplomb only emphasises that the Institute is for all levels.”

Another key element in the Institute’s early success is parent participation. “We’ve worked hard to find that happy balance between player development and quality family time, with parents invited to join in the final 10-15 minutes of each session,” said Stajic. “Players demonstrate what they have learnt to their parent/s and this builds confidence and instils a sense of achievement in the player.”

“Some of those who’ve enrolled had never played football competitively, but have since joined a local club – and not necessarily Inglewood United. To me this is an extraordinary achievement. I would like to think the Institute has contributed in this decision and it reminds us all of the importance of making football fun.”

For more information on the Institute, which operates every Saturday morning (8.30am to 9.30am) at Inglewood Stadium, visit www.ifi.net.au