OPTUS AND FFA DELIVER TO THE FOOTBALL COMMUNITY

In an exciting boost for grassroots football, Optus and Football Federation Australia (FFA) are delivering special football kits to over 50,000 young football players in regional and urban areas around Australia as part of the latest Optus Small-Sided Football (OSSF) program.

All under 6 registered OSSF players across the country will receive a football kit, which includes a t-shirt, football and backpack. Their local club will also receive some much needed equipment and resource materials.

OSSF is football for children, played on smaller fields, with fewer players on a team and with an emphasis on having fun through playing football. OSSF maximises participation for all players and is an important component of FFA's commitment to building for the future.

"For more than a decade football has had the highest participation rates of any sport for boys aged 5 -14. It is also the fastest growing team sport for girls. We are thrilled, that together with Optus, we are able to support grassroots football in a practical way," FFA Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan said.

"Communication and teamwork is essential to winning any football game and plays a crucial role in Optus' business of connecting people," Michael Smith, Managing Director, Optus Consumer said.

"As part of being the Official Telecommunications Partner of FFA, Optus is the exclusive partner to the Optus Small-Sided Football program, providing valuable football supplies for thousands of young football players in the cities and regional areas around Australia.

"Optus invests in towns and communities, ensuring that customers have easy access to the latest and greatest products and importantly we continue to bring competition.

"Now with the unique and fresh approach of Optus Small-Sided Football, we are keen to support this important program and encourage even greater participation in the game," Mr Smith said.

Lucas Neill, Optus Football Ambassador and proud supporter of Optus Small-Sided Football said, "Local clubs play a vital step in developing football skills and fitness and opening up opportunities. I am delighted to be part of the Optus team as a football ambassador and support the work they are doing for football community development."

With the start of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season approaching, players from the nine Australian clubs will be visiting OSSF clubs in their local area, in support of the initiative.

For more information regarding OSSF visit: www.smallsidedfootball.com.au

Media contacts:
Optus Corporate Affairs - Tracy Woodley, (02) 8082 5302
Football Federation Australia - Georgia Psaltis, (02) 8020 4042