What is Fun Football?
Fun Football builds on the First Kicks foundation and is for boys and girls aged 8–9 (for the 2026 season, those born between January 2017 and December 2018). The programme focuses on developing basic football skills in a fun, positive, and supportive environment. Our aim is to help your child fall in love with the game.
What is the cost?
Our 2026 registration fee is $155 for the full season; unchanged from last season. We also offer a 10% discount for two or more players in the same family.
When does it start?
The season dates for 2026 are still TBC, but we will commence pre-season training for registered players early in term 1. Prior to season start, we will hold a 'Have A Go Muster', which is an opportunity for players to come together in their teams and collect uniforms.
Do children need experience to take part?
No! Players of all abilities and experience levels are welcome, including those new to football. We have both social and development teams, tailoring the playing experience to your child’s ability and experience. You can find out more about development squads here.
When is training?
Training occurs weekly at Wainoni Park and is compulsory for all players. It is usually on Wednesdays 5pm-6pm, but is dependent on what the team’s coach agrees with parents.
How do games work?
Games are in line with NZF Whole of Football 2.0, with 5-aside games on ⅛ of a full pitch size.
Social teams will play at 8am on a Saturday morning at Wainoni Park. Players should arrive by 7.45am for warm up. There will usually be three 15-minute games, played with goalkeepers.
Development teams will play both in Greenhithe and away on a rota basis with two other clubs. These games will be at 9am and will consist of either three 15-minute or two 20-minute games, dependent on number of teams available.
For one weekend per season, on a rota basis, parents are expected to help set up the playing fields. More details will be sent via your team manager.
Do we need any special kit?
As part of registration, your child will receive a Greenhithe FC shirt and shorts for the season. Please note this kit is for game days NOT for training.
You will need to supply:
- Green socks (available at the pre-season Muster event and here)
- Shin pads
- Football boots
All players must bring a drink bottle to both training and game days.
Who will be training my child?
Our Fun Football programme is run by passionate volunteers. Coaches and team managers play a huge role in creating a fun, positive environment; and we’d encourage you to consider putting your hand up.
- Coaching: No prior experience is necessary — we provide training plans, drills, and full support to help you run sessions confidently.
- Team managing: Liaise with families, track attendance, coordinate on game day and work with club on end-of-season events.
Beyond that, we are a community club, and parents are expected to be active participants. Setting up of pitches will be on a team by team rotation, and parents will be involved in clearing away team eqipment at the end of training and games. We also encourage families to get involved in our fundraising activities and events.
Can my daughter play in a girls-only team?
We plan to have girls-only as well as mixed teams in the Fun Football grades; please specify your preference when registering. If you’re interested in a younger girls-only programme, we also run Fantails in Terms 1 and 4 — see here for more details.
What if I have questions as the season goes on?
In the U8 & U9 grades, you will have a team manager and coach, who will be your main point of contact.
The Fun Football coordinator is Paul Geden, who will be available before games each Saturday and on Wednesday evenings.
For all club contacts, see here.
Admin Login