ABSTRACT
An ageing population on a global scale has resulted in the significant growth of grassroots/amateur 55–65+ small-sided football, e.g., 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6/futsal and walking football competition/programmes in diverse indoor and outdoor settings. Health and participation outcomes are core motives for 55–65+ veteran/masters footballers, yet substantial interest and commitment also exist for age-appropriate team and player development initiatives. Such strategic team and player development (STPD) provides a critical foundation for both quality assurance and quality enhancement in amateur/grassroots 55–65+ small-sided football. In practice, however, given the ad hoc nature of these customised programme offerings, it is not surprising that very little research examines STPD in amateur/grassroots 55–65+ small-sided football contexts. Meeting the unique needs and circumstances of 55–65+ players in small-sided football programmes is a complex and multifaceted process. No one-size fits all. Grounded in two decades of interdisciplinary research and coaching experiences with amateur/grassroots 55–65+ small-sided football in diverse Canadian and international settings, data here suggest that critical coach leadership contributions, responsive programming, and key organisational supports are central to implementing STPD initiatives. This chapter provides a conceptual framework and practical examples for enhancing STPD in amateur/grassroots 55–65+ small-sided football contexts.
