Become An Enfield Rovers Football Club Game Leader

What is a Game Leader?

A Game Leader is the organiser and leader of MiniRoos small-sided football games. Their primary goal is to maintain the flow of the game, ensuring young players have a safe and enjoyable environment to enhance their understanding of football.

Game Leaders take charge of the game, guiding players to maximise both their learning and enjoyment in a secure setting.

The Game Leader role provides an excellent introduction to officiating, playing a crucial part in the early stages of player development.

Their key duties include:

  • Keeping the game flowing and minimising stoppages.

  • Assisting with restarts and explaining rules to players.

  • Encouraging active participation, teamwork, and learning.

  • Promoting fair play, safety, and positivity among players, parents, and team officials.

  • Using enthusiasm, patience, and flexibility to support the children’s development.

  • Ensure players are engaged in all aspects of the game while learning the rules and fundamentals in an enjoyable and supportive setting.

Why Do We Need Game Leaders?

Unlike referees who enforce the laws of 11-a-side football, Game Leaders focus on guiding young MiniRoos players, many of whom are still learning the rules. Penalising players for things they don’t yet understand isn’t effective at this stage of development.

Game Leaders use a supportive approach to help players build their understanding of the game. Examples include:

  • Demonstrating proper techniques, like how to take throw-ins, with repeated practice or “do-overs.”

  • Ensuring opposition teams give space to allow the team in possession to play the ball without immediate pressure.

By prioritising education and development over strict rule enforcement, Game Leaders create a positive, nurturing environment where young players can learn and grow in their football journey.

Being Involved as a Game Leader at ERFC

At ERFC, Game Leaders are supported during their training by a Game Leader Mentor at each field and receive ongoing assistance from Club Ground Officials once qualified. For younger Game Leaders, parents are encouraged to accompany their child and will be provided with training and guidance on the role of a Game Leader Mentor.

Certified Game Leaders are easily recognisable by their pink bibs, which are provided by the Football Canterbury Association. These bibs are issued upon successful completion of training, which is assessed by a certified Game Leader Trainer or Mentor.

Eligibility to Be a Game Leader

To join the ERFC Game Leader Program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a registered member of Enfield Rovers Football Club, aged 11 or older.

  • While current players are welcome, being an active player is not mandatory. However, non-players must register as a volunteer with the Club (at no cost) to be certified.

  • Children aged 14 or under must be accompanied by a parent or carer during their initial training period.

Attire and Equipment Requirements:

  • Wear suitable attire: shorts, socks, a dark t-shirt or jersey, and football boots (shin pads are not required).

  • Have a watch with a timer or stopwatch for timekeeping.

  • Optional but recommended: shorts or a shirt with a pocket for holding a notebook and pen to record scores.

  • A phone, while prohibited during the game, is desirable for accessing the Dribl application for scheduling and score entry, if required.

These requirements ensure Game Leaders are prepared and equipped to manage games effectively.

Game Leader Rewards

Becoming a Game Leader for Enfield Rovers Football Club junior games offers valuable personal and practical rewards. The role provides young club members with a unique opportunity to build confidence through responsibility while developing skills like decision-making, adaptability, and learning from mistakes—qualities that are highly beneficial in everyday life.

Many certified Game Leaders at ERFC have gone on to become accredited referees, officiating competitive games at the ERFC Henley Park fields and beyond.

Rewards and Benefits:

1. Game Leader Fee

Certified Game Leaders earn a fee for every game they lead at an ERFC field. All game leaders receive $20 in cash for each game as a token of our appreciation. Payment is made by the Team Manager or Coach of the ERFC Juniors team at the game.

2. Complimentary Refreshments

Certified Game Leaders are entitled to a free drink (soft drink or water) and a sausage-on-a-roll after completing their duties. These can be collected from the Henley Park Canteen, provided the Game Leader is wearing their Pink Game Leader vest.

The experience and rewards of being a Game Leader at ERFC make it a fulfilling and enriching role within the ERFC community.