What is Junior Football?
Junior Football, also classed as Mini Football, builds on the fundamentals developed in First Kicks and Fun Football, moving players into a more structured skills-development phase. It is for boys and girls aged 10–12 (for the 2026 season, those born between January 2013 and December 2016).
What is the cost?
Our 2026 registration fee is $175 for the full season; unchanged from last season. We also offer a 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.
What is the time commitment?
Training takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, dependent on coaches, and is compulsory for all players. Games are on Saturdays from 10am. For players keen to further develop their skills, we also run Skills Centre sessions with professional coaches — more details can be found here.
The season runs from April to September, with breaks during school holidays.
Where does it take place?
Training is held at Wainoni Park, Greenhithe War Memorial, and Hobsonville War Memorial.
Home games are mainly played at Wainoni Park, with away fixtures across the North Shore.
What format do the games take?
Games are in line with NZF Whole of Football 2.0.
- U10 & U11:
Games are played 7v7, with 2 x 25-minute matches against teams of a similar skill level, determined through fluid grading. Players use a size 4 ball and 4m x 2m goals. - U12:
Games are played 9v9, with 2 x 30-minute matches against teams of a similar skill level, determined through fluid grading. Players use a size 4 ball and 5m x 2m goals
For all Junior Football grades, the retreating line is set at 30% of the field from the goal line.
Do children need experience to take part?
No experience is required. Junior Football caters to all levels, with both social and more competitive teams available. You can find out more about our competitive teams here.
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 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 Junior Football programme is run by passionate volunteers as well as our professional coaches. We encourage parents and caregivers to get involved.
- Coaching: No prior experience is needed — we provide training plans, drills, and ongoing support to help you coach with confidence.
- Team managing: Assist with family communication, attendance tracking, Player of the Day awards, halftime oranges, and 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?
Absolutely. We offer girls-only and mixed teams at the Junior Football level — please indicate your preference when registering. Please note 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 U10-U12 grades, you will have a team manager and coach, who will be your main point of contact.
The Junior coordinator is Phil Stephens. For all club contacts, see here.
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