The focus for these grades is on developing their skills as part of a team playing in a safe and friendly environment that provides appropriate levels of competition to aid player development. They play 11v11 against other clubs throughout Auckland in a Northern Region Football (NRF) League.
The Social pathway provides the opportunity for players to play at a level that suits their current ability and minimises training and playing commitment to 1 training per week plus a game.
For male players following the Social pathway once they are too old for U19 grade, it is anticipated that they would either move into one of our existing Senior Men’s Teams or form their own new Senior Men’s Team.
(For other player pathways, please see the information on the Youth Mixed 13-19 years page)
Note: On registration, female players may choose to play in one of our mixed (generally 90% boys) teams or have the option of playing in a girls only team (numbers permitting). Depending on ability, our female players may also request (via the appropriate Grade Coordinator) to play in the mixed grade below their age.
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U13 to U17 - Saturday with kick-off between 12pm & 2:30pm
U19 - Sunday with kick-off between 1pm & 3pm
Training - 1 session per week
Start: 27 April 2024
Finish: 21 September 2024
No games: 1 June, 13 July
13th Grade Coordinator – Tanya Reynolds coordinator2011@wsafc.org.nz
14th Grade Coordinator – Claire Turner – coordinator2010@wsafc.org.nz
15th Grade Coordinator – Tony Townley – coordinator2009@wsafc.org.nz
16th - 19th Grade Coordinator – Josh Hosking – youthcoordinator@wsafc.org.nz
Grading is strictly based on the year of birth: (2024 Season)
2011 - 13th Grade | 2010 – 14th Grade | 2009 – 15th Grade | 2008 – 16th Grade | 2007 – 17th Grade | 2006 – 18th Grade | 2005 – 19th Grade
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Registrations and Teams
Registrations typically open early February through to April. At the close of registrations, the grade coordinator will put the teams together based on requests as indicated on the registration form (they do their best, nothing is guaranteed). If you have a few friends wanting to play together, they will all have to indicate this on their registration.
Once all registrations are sorted into teams, the coordinator will email out team details (typically mid April). Each team will require a volunteer coach, assistant coach, and manager. All teams are provided with a kit bag at the start of the season which contains size 5 balls, cones, and bibs.
It is at the team's discretion if they want to practice during the week or not. Teams will be given the option to secure turf space for training if they require it.
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TEAMS
Squads usually consist of up to 16 players per team. The Grade Coordinator, in conjunction with the Head of Junior & Youth Football, will select teams based upon requests – friends, schools, previous teams (early requests are easier to meet). Players wanting to play for the Division 1 team in their grade will able to attend a trial for this. Teams are usually announced during late March and will be emailed out by the Grade Coordinator.
PITCH (Optimal and where available)
U13 & U14 - 82m x 50m
U15 & U16 - 90m x 55m
U17 & U19 - 100m x 60m
LENGTH OF GAME
U13 & U14 - 2 x 35 minute halves
U15 & U16 - 2 x 40 minute halves
U17 & U19 - 2 x 45 minute halves
FORMAT
- 11v11 games including Goalkeepers
- Up to 5 rolling substitutes
- As per FIFA rules
COACHES & MANAGERS
Each team requires a volunteer coach, assistant coach and a manager (including development teams). Every team will be provided with a kit bag at the start of the season which contains balls, cones and bibs. It is up to the team if they have practice or not and there will be the opportunity to request turf space at Seddon Fields for practices. The club also has bookings that allows any team to use Walker Park and Cox Bay for practices during the week.
Coaches are encouraged to complete a Youth Coaching Course which will be held in the Western Springs Clubrooms and at no expense to the coach. These usually require you to attend just one session and will help you with ideas on how to help the kids develop. Team Coaches should encourage positive behaviours, and all players to perform different skills and roles within the team.
If you require assistance to find a coach please contact our Head of Junior & Youth Football.
ORGANISATION
The weekly allocation of fixtures and field locations will be published on the Northern Region Football (NRF) website.
Home games are usually played at:
- Seddon Fields, Meola Road
- Cox’s Bay Reserve, West End Road
- Walker Park, Walker Road
- Eastdale Reserve, corner of Rosebank Road and Eastdale Reserve
Away games are usually played at other club locations throughout Auckland (e.g. usually as far as Drury to the south and Bucklands Beach to the east, with some games ‘over the bridge’ for the Metro and Conference teams).
PARENTS/SUPPORTERS
Should watch games from behind the fence or on the balcony. Provide encouragement to all players but leave specific football comments to the coach.
Those interested in playing an active role supporting the players could:
- Manage a team – working with the coach
- Coach a team for 1-2 training and 1 game per week
- Enrol in a Community Referee (CR) course so they can referee games.
- Run the line as an Assistant Referee.
