Junior Football
Registrations are now OPEN for the 2025 winter season 7th-13th Grade!
Register here.
Played in Te Awamutu at Sherwin Park - or away games to other clubs.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page which we update regularly.
You can still register here for First Kicks and Fantails
We are excited to kick off preparations for the 2025 Winter Season and would like to begin the team formation process earlier this year. This email provides key details about Saturday football, the philosophy behind team formation, and important registration deadlines. Team selection follows WAIBOP guidelines to ensure fair and structured competition.
Saturday Football Structure
All age-grade games are played on Saturday mornings on a home-and-away basis. Teams entered by the club are placed into pools by WAIBOP, with half of the matches against teams from Ngaruawahia, Raglan, Te Awamutu, Matamata, Te Aroha, and surrounding areas. Grades 7-13 for players turning 7-13 years old this year, including girls only teams train one afternoon/evening per week at Sherin Park - times and days determined by coach availability. Time and days for regular season training will be negotiated between coaches following the musters. Games are played on Saturday mornings between 8.00am and 12.00pm. Players need to supply their own long plain black socks, shinpads, boots and drink bottles. Club shirts and shorts are provided for the season. Our club does not charge for team uniforms.
To be placed in a team, players must be registered before the deadlines listed below.
Fun Football (U8 Girls, 7th & 8th Grade)
Age Groups:
- 7th Grade (Mixed): Born in 2018
- 8th Grade (Mixed): Born in 2017
- U8 Girls: Born in 2017 or 2018
No formal assessments are required for this group. The focus is on fun, friendship, and skill development. When registering, you can indicate your child’s school and list friends they would like to play with.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, 26 March (or earlier if the grade reaches capacity).
Mini Football (9th – 13th/14th Grade, Mixed & Girls' Teams)
Age Groups:
- 9th Grade: Born in 2016
- 10th Grade: Born in 2015
- 11th Grade: Born in 2014
- 12th Grade: Born in 2013
- 13th/14th Grade: Born in 2012
We are committed to the Balance is Better framework, which means there will be no trials or formal grading. However, with multiple teams in many age groups, we aim to enter squads into WAIBOP’s competitive tiers, ensuring each team competes at the appropriate level.
While players won’t be graded, those with a development focus will be assessed to help place them in teams of similar ability. This ensures a balanced experience where every child can grow and enjoy the game.
Registration Deadlines:
- 7 March 2025 (Development Focus)
- 21 March 2025 (Social Focus)
⚠️ Players must be registered before the musters—there will be no registrations accepted on the day.
Social vs. Development Focus
When registering, you’ll be asked to select either a social or development pathway:
✔ Social Focus – Ideal for those who prioritise fun, friendships, and a steady learning pace. Players will not be assessed for development teams but can participate in optional skills clinics during the season.
✔ Development Focus – For players seeking a competitive experience with structured development. While we can’t guarantee placement with friends, we will aim to form teams of similar ability. Players in this pathway will be assessed in March.
Assessments & Musters
- Development Assessments: 10–21 March
- Whole Grade Musters: 24–28 March
- Team Training Begins: 31 March – 4 April
The development assessment sessions will be 30 to 45 minutes in duration and will include a brief warm-up, a series of passing drills, and a 5v5 or 6v6 game, typically with 10 to 12 participants per session.
The scheduled dates for these assessments are:
- 11 March
- 13 March
- 14 March
- 18 March
- 20 March
- 21 March
Uniform Distribution
Uniforms will be distributed during training sessions between 31 March – 11 April. Each uniform is numbered and must be returned at the end of the season. Please review the uniform policy when registering.
Key Events & Tournaments
⚽ Junior Club Day – Sunday, 16 February (10 AM – 12 PM, Sherwin Park)
Join us for a morning of fun activities, meet teammates and coaches, and grab gear from Soccer United. Plus, Hungerball will be making an appearance!
⚽ Intraclub Festival – Sunday, 27 April (Afternoon)
An exciting opportunity for teams to play 3–4 friendly matches within our club. More details to come.
⚽ Tournaments & Festivals
A range of tournaments will be available throughout the season, including:
- 12–13 April – Northern United Preseason
- 26 April – Otumoetai World Cup
- 1 June – Papamoa (King’s Birthday Weekend)
- 21 June – Papamoa (Matariki Weekend)
- 5–6 July – Northern United Mid-Season
- August/September – Rotorua & Waikato 5-a-side Festivals
Development team players will receive priority for tournament entries, but social teams are also welcome to participate.
If your child is interested in playing in any of the tournaments that are occurring between now and June, please fill out this Google Form to express their interest.
Get Involved
Grade Coordinators & Junior Sub-Committee
We still need Grade Coordinators for several age groups. This role is vital in supporting communication between teams, coaches, and the committee. If you're interested, please email info@teawamutuafc.co.nz (subject: Junior Sub-Committee).
Parent Coaches
We rely on parent volunteers to help coach teams. WAIBOP offers coaching support to ensure you’re well-prepared. If interested, please email us with your preferred grade.
As we step into the new season, we’re committed to ensuring every child has an enjoyable and rewarding football experience—whether they’re playing socially or competitively. Just as in mental health first aid or stakeholder engagement, a strong foundation and the right support system make all the difference. Your involvement—whether as a parent, coordinator, or coach—plays a vital role in shaping that experience for our young players.
We look forward to seeing you all on the field soon!
