FIRST KICKS WINTER SEASON 2026

Welcome to the First Kicks programme for 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade players at Northern Rovers Football Club.

Grades in football are determined by the year of birth.

For the 2026 winter season, 4th Grade is for kids born in 2022, 5th Grade is born 2021, 6th Grade is born 2020, and 7th Grade is born 2019.

Note for naming age groups in football, 7th Grade for example is the same as G7, Under-7, or U7. So you may see the grade called different things but the number remains the same.

All our 4, 5, 6 and 7 year olds, boys and girls are placed in a programme called First Kicks.  Players will be placed in teams on the night on arrival after moving through our NEW checkin desk/tent. Players wishing to play with friend groups will have the opportunity to request this. 

First Kicks

Your child will have x1 1hour session per week in our First Kicks program on Friday nights at McFetridge Park.  Players will receive a 15-20 min skills based training followed by x2 15-20 minute games. The philosophy behind the programme is to increase the number of touches a child has on the ball and to develop skills for later on. There are no substitutions in the games, every player spends the entire time playing.

These games will be overseen by a Northern Rovers coach and we will be looking for parents to referee the games that are played (full training is provided and it’s a lot of fun!). The Games Schedule is either one of the two options below:

Grades 4, 5, 6 & 7 - McFetridge Park - 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Prize giving - McFetridge Park - 7:05 pm - 7.30 pm

Start Dates

The season begins Friday 1st May with registrations open early January 2026. 

Season Dates

Trainings and games run from Friday 1st May till Friday 4th September 2025 .  There are no trainings or games during the school holidays, Kings Birthday weekend and Matariki weekend. 

Registrations 

All First Kicks players (new and returning) will need to register for the 2026 season.  The cost for the 2026 Northern Rovers FC First kicks programme is $xxx (this will be confirmed before the year end)

We can accept all children who register during Term 1. Once the season has started, however, we can only take new enrolments if there is space in the teams. Once you have registered, we will be in touch towards the middle or end of Term 1 to sort out teams and coaches.

Playing Gear

All player will be required to purchase an official Northern Rovers playing shirt, shorts and sock which you will own. The club does have a limited supply of second hand uniforms which will be available ahead of the season. More details will be provided on these dates as we lead into the season. All First Kicks players will also need Football Boots and Shinpads. These can be purchased locally, or online from our Lotto supplier HERE