Once again, the Te Awamutu Association Football Club is calling for entries to the Fred Amess Festival, which will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2025, at Sherwin Park, Te Awamutu. This event, dating back to the late 1970s, has become a cherished tradition for primary schools in the district. Since 2006, local schools have gathered for a day of football fun. Last year, 34 teams participated, and we hope to welcome even more teams this year.

The 2025 festival will feature round-robin 7-a-side matches for boys, mixed teams, and girls' teams. The event is open to any primary school-aged child, with the restriction that only two Year 7/8 students may be on the field per team at any given time. This year, some rule changes include:

• Boys and mixed teams will play 7-a-side, a reduction from previous years.

• Each school can enter up to four teams. While teams can have three or more substitutes, we recommend three for easier management, though you are free to choose more.

• There is no requirement for girls in each team; all boys' teams or mixed teams are allowed.

• There will be a competition specifically for all-girls teams again this year.

• Teams will compete for three prizes: the Cup, the Plate, and the Shield (for girls' teams only).

Please note, this is NOT a ‘schools of origin’ competition. All participants must be enrolled in the primary school they represent, with the exception of home-schooled children, who may play for any school team.

To register your school's interest please click here. If you have any questions please contact the Festival Coordinator at info@teawamutuafc.co.nz

Entries close on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, or when all team slots are filled. This year, we can accommodate up to 48 teams. To ensure your school's teams secure their spots, we recommend registering as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

An entry fee of $50 per team is required and then invoice will be emailed once the team entry has been approved by our Festival Coordinator.

Where possible, game referees will be provided thanks to the assistance of Te Awamutu College Sports Science Students and TA AFC Volunteers. As a backup, it is recommended that teams bring a whistle and someone prepared to help referee if needed.

We look forward to another fantastic festival day filled with football fun and community spirit!