Mini Football is a New Zealand Football mandated programme that is part of the evolution of football in New Zealand. It is part of the ‘Whole of Football Plan’ (WOFP) encompassig the entire junior and senior spectrum of football in New Zealand. Mini Football is for players turning 9 years old (9th grade) through to 12 years old (12th grade) in the year of play.
What can I expect?
Mini Football is much the same as Fun Football run in previous years, except that formalised training will be run on a Saturday prior to the inter-club game led only by their team coach.
Your son or daughter is placed into a team following the registration period, and typically will be in this team for the duration of the season. Teams are selected after the Club’s grading days or other club selection process (involving feedback gathered from past coaches and/or registration form information). Ruahine AFC recognise the values of social connections and friendships as well as skill level. First and foremost we believe active participation, player enjoyment and a strong sense of belonging/community are the most important aspects in the junior football programme.
Who trains the players?
Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body. We endeavour to support coaches and managers with resources and insights, and link them with opportunities to upskill through Central Football as they become available. Training exercises are assigned to the coach during the week prior to the game day to give them time to prepare. Training activities are undertaken before the game commences.
Who is the coach?
It is expected that a coach (or two people sharing this role) will volunteer from within the group of parents/guardians. We also encourage someone else to volunteer to assist in a team management role. If you'r keen to coach, simply put your name forward - email us at info@ruahineafc.co.nz; and/or note your interest on your child's registration form. Please don't be offended by the request for a Police vetting check.
When and where do we play?
On a Saturday morning at the location advised. It is recommended that parent/guardians download the Ruahine AFC app where they can view the location of the games and see game times, and also receive notifications like cancellations. Field Maps are also accessible from the app, together with some other functionality. It is up to parents and guardians to ensure they keep a close eye on game locations and times in-case Central Football changes these at short notice.
9th Grade
Typically plays at 8:45am on Saturdays
Game locations could include: Monrad Park, Hokowhitu Park, Ashhurst, Papaioea Park, Feilding, Wallace Park
10th Grade
Typically plays at 10.30am on Saturdays
Game locations could include: Monrad Park, Hokowhitu Park, Ashhurst, Papaioea Park, Feilding, Wallace Park
11th Grade
Typically plays at 8.45am on Saturdays
Game locations could include: Monrad Park, Hokowhitu Park, Ashhurst, Papaioea Park, Feilding, Wallace Park; and possibly also Levin, Marton, Huntly, Opiki.
12th Grade
Typically plays at 10.30am on Saturdays
Game locations could include: Monrad Park, Hokowhitu Park, Ashhurst, Papaioea Park, Feilding, Wallace Park; and possibly also Levin, Marton, Huntly, Opiki.
Note: The second and last weekend of school holidays typically don't have game days scheduled.
Do we have mid-week practices?
This is optional (although encouraged) as training is conducted every Saturday morning. Some teams choose to have additional practice mid-week subject to the availability of coaches. Parents should remain on-site during scheduled practices.
When does the season start?
The season start and finish dates can vary slightly year on year, but typically starts with the first game day on the first Saturday of term two (a week after the school holidays), and finishes around mid-August.
Cancellations and Postponements
For cancellations and postponements, in the first instance please check:
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