2026 Junior Registrations – CLOSED

Registrations for the 2026 Junior Football season are now closed. There is a waitlist, so please email us at info@teawamutuafc.co.nz if you would like your child to participate.

The season begins Saturday, 2 May. Fixtures will be released once all teams are registered with WaiBOP and the league publishes the draw.

Junior Football (Grades 8–13)

Social Teams & Development Teams

As we prepare for the upcoming junior muster for players aged 7–13 (born 2013–2018), we want to clearly outline the difference between Junior Social Teams and Junior Development Teams so families can choose the environment that best suits their child.

Our aim is to place every player in a setting where they can enjoy football, feel supported, and develop at a pace that suits them.

Junior Social Teams

Junior Social Teams are ideal for players who want to enjoy football in a fun, inclusive environment, play with friends, and develop basic skills.

These teams:

• Focus on enjoyment, participation, and confidence

• Suit players new to football or those wanting a less intensive environment

• Are formed by age group after the muster

• Train and play with an emphasis on fun and teamwork

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

Junior Development Teams

(Note: 8th and 9th Grade players have Social teams only — no Development option at these grades.)

Junior Development Teams are for players who want a more structured, challenging football environment.

These players typically:

• Are motivated and eager to improve

• Enjoy being challenged

• Train with focus and intention

• Want additional support in their development

Development teams follow an age‑appropriate framework covering technical, tactical, physical, and personal growth.

Development Team Selection Criteria

At these ages, attitude is the most important factor.

We recognise that children develop at different rates. No player is judged solely on current ability. Selection focuses on:

• Desire to participate

• Willingness to try

• Effort and focus

• Coachability

• Positive behaviour and teamwork

Players are also observed across:

• Technical skills

• Game understanding

• Physical coordination

• Social and emotional behaviours

This process is not about selecting the “best” players — it is about identifying those ready for a development environment.

Team Allocation Notes

• Football is played by year of birth, not school year.

• Players are expected to play in their correct age band.

• Team allocations are completed by volunteer team allocators who do their best to accommodate requests, but this cannot be guaranteed.

• Academy players in Grades 10–12 may be offered the option of forming their own teams.

• As players age, formats change (5v5 → 7v7 → 9v9 → 11v11), and teams may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Junior Social Grades – Update

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

For 8th and 9th Grade players and all Social Team players:

• 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 once confirmed

If you have recently registered for a Social grade, there is nothing further you need to attend — we will contact you with next steps.

Who Oversees the Process

The development muster and selections are overseen by:

• Jarrod Young – Director of Football

• Travis Dally Braun – Coach

• Noah Dyet – Coach

• Karen Intemann – Junior Coordinator

All decisions are made collectively, with the child’s development and wellbeing at the centre.

If you are unsure which pathway suits your child, choose the environment that best matches their motivation and enjoyment.

Training & Home Grounds

All Junior teams train and play at:

Sherwin Park – Junior Training & Home Games (Grades 8–13)

The season runs from May to August, with festivals and events throughout the year.

Saturday Football Structure

• All matches are played on Saturday mornings

• Home‑and‑away format

• Training is once per week (Mon–Thurs depending on coach and field availability)

• Most games are played in Ngaruawahia, Raglan, Hamilton, Matamata, and surrounding areas

• Games typically kick off between 8.00am and 12.00pm

Playing Requirements

All players must wear:

• Moulded football boots

• Shinpads

These are compulsory for participation.

Grade Structure (By Year of Birth)

(Girls play in dual‑age bands)

Girls

• U9 Girls (2017/2018) – 5v5

• U11 Girls (2015/2016) – 7v7

• U13 Girls (2013/2014) – 9v9

Mixed/Boys

• 8th Grade (2018) – 5v5

• 9th Grade (2017) – 5v5 (new WOF 2.0 format)

• 10th Grade (2016) – 7v7

• 11th Grade (2015) – 7v7 (new WOF 2.0 format)

• 12th Grade (2014) – 9v9

• 13th Grade (2013) – 9v9 (new WOF 2.0 format)

​​​​​​​Need Help?

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

We look forward to welcoming you to another exciting season with the TAAFC family.