What’s changing and why
After a three-year review led by New Zealand Football, Whole of Football (WOF) 2.0 has been introduced to evolve how football is delivered across the country. The focus is on increased involvement and enhanced skill development — with kids’ enjoyment and development front and centre.
The biggest shift is that players stay in smaller-sided game formats for longer. These formats give players more touches on the ball and more decision-making opportunities, thereby building confidence and skill before transitioning to full 11v11 football.
The statistics are convincing:
- Players in 4v4 can get up to 500% more touches than in 11v11
- The ball is in play 92% of the time in 4v4, compared to 66% in 11v11
- NZ Football pilot data shows players averaging 3,800 more touches per season, while goalkeepers see 1,300 more game actions
From 2026, GFC — alongside clubs across Aotearoa — will begin implementing the updated Whole of Football 2.0 structure.
Game Formats by Age Group
For our junior and youth players, the key change is more time smaller team formats, allowing players to grow at the right pace while having fun.
- Ages 4–7: Station Rotation + 3v3 (no goalkeeper)
- U8 / U9: 5v5
- U10 / U11: 7v7
- U12 / U13: 9v9
- U14 / U15: 11v11
- U16+: 11v11
How will this work at GFC?
In implementing Whole of Football 2.0, we will build on the strong foundations we have been developing in recent years. From U5 through to youth teams, GFC will use a squad training approach, supported by multiple coaches and a designated Grade Lead Coach.
This approach creates a focused, high-quality learning environment for our players, aligns with the GFC coaching philosophy, and ensures we are consistently supporting the player development pathways set out by New Zealand Football.
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