Junior football is for players from Grade 8 (those born in 2018) through to Grade 12 (those born in 2014). Teams play against other clubs within the Northern Region (includes up to Warkworth & Hibiscus Coast in the North and Kumeu & Oratia in the West and all of the North Shore) on a Saturday morning, with the exception of Grade 8 & 9 will play an inhouse competition at Becroft Park on Saturdays mornings.
Kick Off times for Junior grades are on the hour from 9am thorugh to 12pm.
At Northern Rovers FC, our Junior football philosophy emphasises the importance of nurturing a lifelong love for the game while providing pathways for both social and competitive player development. We strive to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every player can enjoy the game of football, develop their skills, and reach their full potential—whether playing for fun or aspiring to compete at the highest levels.
Inclusivity and Enjoyment: Football is for everyone. We foster a welcoming culture where all players feel valued and supported.
Player-Centered Development: Training programs are tailored to the age, skill level, and goals of our players, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to grow.
Pathways for Growth: We provide clear opportunities for players to transition between social and competitive streams or vice versa, as their aspirations and abilities evolve.
Community Values: Our club is a place to develop character, teamwork, and respect, both on and off the field.
Players are asked to select a social or competitive pathway via our registration form process and during February ID sessions teams are formed.
Social teams are typically coached by parent volunteers for a mid-week training and Saturday game day. Competitive Teams are coached by one of our qualified coaches or a parent who has played the game or professional sport to a high level. A very limited number of paid professional coaches are available as maybe required on a case by case basis for social teams.
Teams are formed by ensuring players of a similar level are grouped together to ensure the most enjoyable experience, this is done through Player ID sessions before the season starts typically these start in March. Priority is also given to keeping “friends” together at this age group.
To ensure players have access to high quality coaching to aid their development many players also attend the Academy sessions. Academy trainings must be booked in addition to your player registration and are held on Mondays evenings at Becroft Park. For players who choose the competitive pathway, the academy sessions are included.
4.15pm – 5.15pm for Grades 9 & 10
5.30pm – 6.30pm for Grades 11 & 12
Please find our Junior FAQs here
In 2026 New Zealand Football has unveiled Whole of Football 2.0, evolving the way football and futsal are delivered to the more than 176,000 players who take part in Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest team participation sport.
For full details please see the NZFootball WF 2.0 homepage
The key changes coming in 2026
Grades 8 & 9 will play a 5v5 format with Goal Keepers which will be run internally by each club. At Northern Rovers FC this will be held on a Saturday morning at Becroft Park
Grade 10 & 11 will play a 7v7 format in the NRF regional competition
Grade 12 will play a 9v9 format in the NRF regional competition
Changes coming in 2027
Grade 13 will revert to a 9v9 format in the NRF regional competition and played in a new larger 5x2m goal (grade 12 will also play with these goals)
The table below shows the game format including team size, field size, and ball size for each Grade of football from First Kicks through to Juniors.
Club Manager
Lee Edwards - office@northernroversfc.org.nz
Phone: 021311936
Accounts
Cherie - accounts@northernroversfc.org.nz
Director of Mens Football
Christian Dawson - dof@northernroversfc.org.nz
Director of Womens Football
Nic Clapson - wdof@northernroversfc.org.nz
Subscribe here to keep up to date with news and event information.