Ruahine AFC | Palmerston North based children's football club | Developing football skills in the Manawatu
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Youth Football
13th grade

Football New Zealand classifies 13th grade as ‘youth football’ (as opposed to junior football). Following the ‘Whole of Football Plan’, it presents players with their first experience of 11-a-side football (with standard football rules).

​Who plays at 13th grade?
Any Ruahine player who turns 13 in the current year will play 13th grade. Furthermore, any player who turns 12 in the current year but is in their final year at the Club can elect to play 13th grade by advising the Club Captain on their registration form.  Players in year 8 at school may find themselves in this position: they may only be turning 12 in the current year, but will have to leave Ruahine next year to play high school football.  This means that every Ruahine player will have the opportunity to represent the Club at 11-a-side football in their final year, should they wish.

How does it work?
Each player will be assigned to a team based on his/her performance at the Club’s grading days.  Your son or daughter will be in this team for the season (unless change is required, in collaboration with the Mini Football Coordinator and Club Captain).  A coach and manager will volunteer/be assigned.  They coach/manage this team for the duration of the season.

When do we train/play?
Home and away inter-club games will be held on Saturday mornings (with kick-off time depending on the division in which the teams in question are playing). Games comprise two 35 minute halves, with a 5 minute break at half-time. Coaches will organise mid-week practices.  Ruahine AFC utilises the TeamStuff application (Smartphones are not necessarily required) to allow coaches/managers to organise practices on a safe and informative digital platform, with which parents and caregivers receive notifications and reminders and can indicate attendance prior.

​Open Grade Div 1 typically plays at 8:45am and Div 2 plays at 10:30am each Saturday.
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The second and last weekend of school holidays typically don't have game days, but we'll keep you informed.

Who trains the players?
Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body.  A coaching evening will be held to up-skill prospective coaches.

How do I access TeamStuff?
An invitation to join your team will be emailed to you at around the time your team is established prior to the season commencing.  All game notifications will be loaded onto the Teamstuff platform throughout the season, giving you the information you need at your fingertips and ensuring club communications are consistent and well organised across the club.  More than one parent is able to access their children's schedule via TeamStuff allowing either parent to verify attendance of games and receive club or team communications.​
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NOTE: TeamStuff has been an unfortunate victim of the effects of the fallout from Coronavirus.  Ruahine AFC will be implementing the use of an alternative system - more info to come.

Where can I learn more?
Ruahine AFC website -  Junior Framework
NZF website – www.nzfootball.co.nz
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Ruahine Association Football Club Incorporated
Clubrooms situated at Wallace Park
Cnr of Te Awe Awe & Jickell Streets, Palmerston North

info@ruahineafc.co.nz

  • Home
  • FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES
    • Junior Framework & Resources
    • First Kicks (4-6 yrs)
    • Fun Football (7-8yrs)
    • Mini Football (9-12yrs)
    • Youth Football (13th Grade)
    • For Coaches
  • Join Us
    • Playing Kit
    • Register Direct
    • Playing Fees
    • Lead a team
    • Join the Committee
    • Important Dates
    • FAQ's
  • Clubrooms Hire