Junior Football (U8 to U9 Grade)
2026 Registrations:
Registrations Open: 15th January 2026
Registrations Close: 15th March 2026
Junior Football (U8 - U9): The following grades are based on 2026 school years for your child.
U8 Grade - Born 2018
U9 Grade - Born 2017
WHAT:
One of the main changes that have been brought in by NZ Footballs's Whole of Football 2.0 plan is to defer teams playing in NRF based competitions from U9 to U10. As a result of this change, Warkworth Football club is working with other clubs within the region to provide opportunities for our U8 and U9 players a chance to test their skills against players from other clubs. For the 2026 season we will be offering two formats for our U8 and U9 players, Inter-Club and In-House, these are explained in more detail below.
SEASON DATES:
The season will kick off on Saturday 2nd May 2026 and will run through to Saturday 5th September 2026 with no football being played on Saturday 30th May 2026 (Kings Birthday weekend) and Saturday 11th July 2026 (Matariki)
INTER-CLUB FOOTBALL:
For the 2026 season, we are working with Rodney District Sports (RDS) and Greenhithe football clubs to offer our players the opportunity to play matches between all three clubs on a weekly basis.
The format will consist of 5 a-side, which includes goalkeepers, played with the larger 4m by 2m goals. Matches against RDS and Greenhithe will take place on a weekly basis from 8.30am to 10am each Saturday with the location rotating between the 3 clubs. The venues will be Shoesmith Domain, Metro Park and Wainoni Park. Depending on the number of teams, mathches will either be 3 x 15 minutes or 2 x 20 minutes. Pitch size will be 1/8 of a full pitch, this is inline with NZ Football's whole of football refresh.
IN-HOUSE FOOTBALL:
For those players that do not want to play inter-club football, we are offering an in-house only programme, subject to enough players that registering.
The format will follow that of inter-club, but with matches only played between Warkworth in-house teams only. Matches to be played on Saturdays between 8.30am and 10am.
TRAINING:
For all U8 and U9 players, the club will be providing an optional training session each Tuesday during the season (time TBC). The sessions will be run by club coaches and parent volunteers.
TEAM FORMATION:
We would like to give people more opportunities to create their own teams this season. Upon registeration, players can either enter the team details of the team they have created, or register as individual, if registering as an individual, players will be allocated to teams based on friendships, school or ability.
At this age grade we recommend team size of no more than 8 players. This then allows for 3 subs for each game, teams of 6 or 7 players would also work well.
FEES
Registration Fee = $125
REGISTRATION PROCESS:
Upon registration, players have the opportunity to select whether they want to be part of Inter-club or in-house football.
COACHES:
We are always on the look-out for parent volunteers to coach and manage each team. You will be required to be at the matches held on Saturday mornings and any assistance at training sessions would be appreciated. No previous coaching or managing experience is required. The role of the coach is to manage the number of players in their allocated team each week, to be a point of contact to the parents of the players in their team, and to assist/referee the games. The role of the manager is to support the coach and organise the team and supporters.
We’re aware that this may be a parent's first foray into the world of football coaching, and we will aim to offer free coaching courses should their child wish to continue their football journey across the age grades.
KIT:
We supply the playing shirts. Upon registration, you will be asked to provide size details for the playing shirt. .
Adidas black shorts and black socks are available to purchase at our club shop. Players must be wearing football boots and Shin guards are compulsory for player safety. Additional supporter wear and accessories are also available to purchase at our club shop.
WEATHER/CANCELLATIONS
Football is generally played rain, hail or shine. As we know in NZ, the weather can change multiple times in an hour so please assume that football is ON. If it is deemed bad enough to cancel it, by 8am a post will be put on the WAFC Facebook page, and a message will be sent to all coaches and managers via TeamReach (or another communication channel) to relay to their teams.
REGISTRATION:
Returning players can log in to their Warkworth FC friendly manager account and add the relevant 2026 season subscription. New players to the club this year must please use the following link to register and create an account - 2026 Registrations
AGE GRADE DISPENSATION:
Players wishing to play up an age grade will be considered on a case by case basis by club coaches/committee and in conjunction with federation stipulations.
