Junior Football
Registrations for the 2024 season are now OPEN for Juniors and First Kicks and Fantails
Our Juniors range from Wednesday Night First Kickers (ages 4-6) during Term 1 then Saturday morning games (ages 7-13) starting in April
Played in Te Awamutu at Shwerin Park - or away games to other clubs.
Keep an eye on our facebook page which we update regularly.
You can register here now
We're shaking things up
Team Selections for Junior Teams
How we always done it
No grading for any teams.
All teams are selected based on friendships, previous teams and school/pre-school
attendance.
Player Development & Social teams
Why change things:
We are losing players to other clubs who offer players a chance to play with those on the same developmental level.
We received feedback from our community for this change.
Fun Football (U/8 Girls, 7th and 8th grade):
No assessments.
The key focus is on fun and enjoyment, with kids playing with their friends and learning/developing their football skills.
Registration, we will ask you what school you attend, and to provide the names of a few friends you would like to play with.
Mini Football (9th grade to 13th Grade, girls and mixed teams)
As a Club we will continue to support the principles of the Balance is Better framework, so in 2024 we will again not hold trials or grading. Despite not grading, we want to do all we can to provide all players with a positive and enjoyable football experience. For this purpose, we will be holding assessment development sessions as part of team selection in 2024.
So, what does this process involve?
When registering we will ask you to self-select from two options. Tier 1 – Development or Tier 2 – Social. If you are unsure, you should select Tier 1 – Development. Our Development teams will play in WaiBOP Tier 1 competitions and our Social Teams will play Tier 2. If you select Social, we will ask to provide names of friends you would like to play aside, as this option is intended for “more social players” whose key drivers are about having fun and playing alongside friends.
When you select the Development option, we will not specifically ask about your friends, but you will have the option to name a couple. We believe by having a common competitive goal you will easily make new friends along the way. We will not allow Coaches to select their own team members as this undermines the NZF policy.
SATURDAY FOOTBALL
Grades 7-13 for players turning 7-13years old this year, including girls only teams
Train one afternoon/evening per week at Sherwin Park – times and days determined by coach availability.
Games played Saturday mornings between 8am and 12pm, half of the games at Sherwin Park, half of the games played "away" around Waikato region.
Players need to supply their own long plain black socks, shinpads, boots and drink bottles. Club shirts and shorts provided for season.
Times and days for regular season training will be negotiated between coaches following these musters.
Expleo First Kicks
This is our introduction to football for players 4-6 this year.
Term 2 - Starts 4th May Friday nights only, 4.30-5.30, Sherwin Park, 8 weeks
Players will need a named water bottle, comfortable clothes for training (don’t overdress, they get hot), long socks
and shoes or boots. Shin pads are recommended.
Sausage sizzle available on the night.
They will practice fundamental movement and skills through a range of fun games, followed by a rotation of small sided football games
