2026 Junior Registrations are now OPEN for the Winter Season (Grades 8th–13th)!

Te Awamutu AFC is excited to announce that registrations for the 2026 football season are officially open. Whether you’re returning for another year or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to welcome you into the TAAFC community as we prepare for a fantastic season ahead.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL (Grades 8th–13th)

Social Teams & Development Teams

As we prepare for our upcoming junior muster for our 7–13 year olds (those born between 2013-2018), we want to clearly explain the difference between our Junior Social Teams and Junior Development Teams, so families can make the best decision for their child.

Our goal is to ensure every player is placed in an environment where they can enjoy football, feel supported, and develop at a pace that suits them.

Junior Registration Deadlines

• Junior Development Teams: Closed

• Junior Social Teams: Extended to 24 March 2026

• 21st–27th March – Teams formed and players placed

• 30th March–2nd April – Meet the team, uniforms, and information sessions

Junior Fees (Grades 8–13)

Junior Social Teams

Junior Social Teams are designed for players who primarily want to enjoy the game, play with friends, and experience football in a fun, inclusive environment.

These teams will:

• Focus on enjoyment, participation, and basic skill development

• Be ideal for players new to football or those who prefer a less intensive environment

• Be formed by age group after the muster

• Train and play with a strong emphasis on fun, confidence, and love for the game

Players registering for Junior Social Teams do not trial for development teams and will be placed directly into a suitable social team.

Junior Development Teams
(For 8th and 9th Grade players, only Social teams are offered. There is no Development team option at these grades)

Junior Development Teams are for players who want to train and play in a more focused learning environment.

These teams are designed for players who:

• Are highly motivated and want to improve

• Enjoy being challenged

• Are happy training with intention and focus

• Want extra support with their football development

Junior Development Teams train with more structure and purpose, using an age‑appropriate development framework that looks at the whole player — technical, tactical, physical, and personal growth.

Junior Development Team Criteria

At these ages, our number one selection criterion is attitude.

We strongly believe that children develop at different rates, and no player should ever be “written off” based on current ability. Because of this, our main focus will be on:

• Desire to be there

• Willingness to try

• Effort and focus

• Coachability

• Positive behaviour and attitude toward others

Alongside attitude, players will be observed using a simple development framework that looks at:

• Technical development

• Game understanding

• Physical coordination

• Social and emotional behaviours

This is not about selecting the “best players.” It is about selecting players who are ready and wanting to be in a development environment.
​​​​​​​

Junior Social Grades – Update

Our Junior Development Muster has now taken place, and Development teams for 2026 are currently being finalised.

For 8th and 9th Grade players, as well as any players registered for Social teams, please note:

• Social grades do not have trials or musters

• Players are placed directly into teams by the Junior Coordinators

• Team lists and season information will be shared with families once teams are confirmed

If you have recently registered for a Social grade, there is nothing further you need to attend; we’ll be in touch soon with the next steps.

Who Is Responsible for the Process

The development muster and selections will be overseen by:

• Jarrod Young – Director of Football

• Travis Dally Braun – Coach

• Noah Dyet – Coach

• Karen Intemann – Junior Coordinator

All decisions will be made collectively, with the best interests of the children and their development at the centre.

If your child wishes to be considered for a development team, please register them for the development muster option so we can assess them in that environment.

If you are unsure which option is best for your child, we encourage you to choose the environment that best fits their motivation and enjoyment — not just their current ability.

Junior Training & Home Grounds

Junior teams train and play at:

• Sherwin Park – Junior training and home games (Grades 8–13)

Junior players register for the full season (May–August), with festivals and events held throughout the year.

Saturday Football Structure

• All age‑grade matches take place on Saturday mornings on a home‑and‑away schedule.

• WAIBOP places club‑entered teams into pools, with roughly half of the games played against teams from Ngaruawahia, Raglan, Hamilton, Matamata, and surrounding areas.

• Grades 8–13 are for players turning 8–13 years old this year.

• Regular‑season training schedules will be confirmed by coaches after the musters.

• Saturday games run between 8.00am and 12.00pm.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please email: 📧 info@teawamutuafc.co.nz

We can’t wait to see you on the pitch and welcome you into another exciting season with the TAAFC family.