Fun Football
Ruahine AFC Fun Football Coordinators:
7th Grade: Jacq Rose | 021 042 2718 | email
8th Grade: Matt Stock | 029 200 6146 | email
Fun 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) that will eventually encompass the entire junior and senior spectrum of football in New Zealand.
Saturday morning encompasses a circuit of skills training sessions before an interclub game.
How does it work?
Your son or daughter are placed into teams following the registration period and will be in this team for the season (unless change is required, in collaboration with the Fun Football Coordinator and Club Captain). A coach and manager will volunteer/be assigned. They coach/manage this team for the duration of the season.
During the season the morning starts with approximately 4 skills training exercises (set by NZFootball, these will be suppliedto coaches). Groups of players rotate through the exercises, while the coach stays where they are (i.e. the coach repeats their exercise 4 times).
After the 4 skills training exercises teams then play an interclub game.
What about mid-week practices?
This is optional as training is on a Saturday morning. Some teams choose to have additional practice mid-week.
When do we train/play?
On a Saturday morning for 1½ hours at MonradPark, corner of Highbury and Ronberg Sts. There will be ‘away’ games several times throughout the season (e.g. Feilding, Ashhurst).
In 2016: 7th Graders play 10:30am-12pm & 8th Graders play 8:45am-10:15am.
Who trains the kids?
Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body who will be overseen by a co-ordinator from Ruahine AFC. Expert coaching from Central Football will also assist during the season. A coaching evening will be held to upskill prospective coaches.
Why are we doing this?
It is NZF’s vision for football in the future. All clubs affiliated to NZF will be required to adopt this (and other) programmes aimed at developing the best possible football players, as well as developing higher participation in the sport. Ruahine AFC is merely following this mandate (as are other junior football clubs in the Manawatu).
Where can I learn more?
NZF website – www.nzfootball.co.nz