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: Closes 9 March 2026
Junior Social Teams: Closes 20 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)
| Grade / Team | Fee |
| Juniors Grade 8–13 (Born 2013–2018) | $125 |
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
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:
Alongside attitude, players will be observed using a simple development framework that looks at:
This is not about selecting the “best players.” It is about selecting players who are ready and wanting to be in a development environment.
Youth Development Musters – Important Dates & Times
These sessions are for Junior Development players only. Social teams do not trial — social players will be placed directly into teams.
Wednesday 11th March – Development Musters
5:00–6:00pm
10th Grade Boys/Mixed
11th Grade Boys/Mixed
12th Grade Boys/Mixed
6:00–7:00pm
U11 Grade Girls Only
U13 Grade Girls Only
Additional Trial
Sunday 15th February, 12:30pm onwards at Sherwin Park
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:
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.
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