Mini Football (for those turning 9, 10, 11, or 12 this year)
The Mini Football programme is a further progression from Fun Football for those turning 9,10,11 or 12 within the calendar year. New players are still welcome at any age.
Similar to the Fun Football, we make up girls only teams in this age group and they have their own leagues to play in. This year more than any, with the FIFA Women's World Cup having been such a big hit in New Zealand, we hope many more girls want to try football.
The programme runs at various grounds across the region (mostly in Palmerston North) each Saturday morning during terms 2 and 3. The sessions take between 60 and 90 minutes.
The team sizes and game lengths are:
9th grade - 8.45am, 7-a-side, 2x25 minute halves
10th grade - 10.30am, 7-a-side, 2x25 minute halves
11th grade - 8.45am, 9-a-side, 2x30 minute halves
12th grade - 10.30am, 9-a-side, 2 x 30 minute halves
Teams are made up of a squad according to the number of players on each side for their age group. There may be grading for these age groups but if players would like to be in teams with friends please let us know and we will do what we can.
At this stage the teams have larger goals and goalkeepers and the rules are much more familiar to senior football rules with some differences to aid progressive tactical awareness.
The Mini Football player's experience should be filled with motivational and competitive challenges, with a growing emphasis placed on the learning of football skills within the context of the game.
The programme has been devised by New Zealand Football as part of their "Whole of Football Plan"and is something Central Football encourage all clubs to follow.
At the end of the season players aged 12-13 may be nominated to attend the Football Talent Centre (FTC) trials for the Manawatu. We will do all we can to encourage and help players with the desire and skill level to prepare for these trials.
Who runs the programme?
Each team requires a parent/sibling/carer to volunteer to act as coach/manager for the team. Some football knowledge would be helpful but club coordinator Adam Rose is happy to help any coaches requiring assistance.
Most team coaches will arrange a suitable time and place for a team practice during the week, depending on when they and most of the team are available. These are often on Tuesdays at Monrad Park but times and venue may vary depending on the coach. If you cannot make these sessions the children will still be very welcome on a Saturday.
Similar to the Fun Football, we make up girls only teams in this age group and they have their own leagues to play in. This year more than any, with the FIFA Women's World Cup having been such a big hit in New Zealand, we hope many more girls want to try football.
The programme runs at various grounds across the region (mostly in Palmerston North) each Saturday morning during terms 2 and 3. The sessions take between 60 and 90 minutes.
The team sizes and game lengths are:
9th grade - 8.45am, 7-a-side, 2x25 minute halves
10th grade - 10.30am, 7-a-side, 2x25 minute halves
11th grade - 8.45am, 9-a-side, 2x30 minute halves
12th grade - 10.30am, 9-a-side, 2 x 30 minute halves
Teams are made up of a squad according to the number of players on each side for their age group. There may be grading for these age groups but if players would like to be in teams with friends please let us know and we will do what we can.
At this stage the teams have larger goals and goalkeepers and the rules are much more familiar to senior football rules with some differences to aid progressive tactical awareness.
The Mini Football player's experience should be filled with motivational and competitive challenges, with a growing emphasis placed on the learning of football skills within the context of the game.
The programme has been devised by New Zealand Football as part of their "Whole of Football Plan"and is something Central Football encourage all clubs to follow.
At the end of the season players aged 12-13 may be nominated to attend the Football Talent Centre (FTC) trials for the Manawatu. We will do all we can to encourage and help players with the desire and skill level to prepare for these trials.
Who runs the programme?
Each team requires a parent/sibling/carer to volunteer to act as coach/manager for the team. Some football knowledge would be helpful but club coordinator Adam Rose is happy to help any coaches requiring assistance.
Most team coaches will arrange a suitable time and place for a team practice during the week, depending on when they and most of the team are available. These are often on Tuesdays at Monrad Park but times and venue may vary depending on the coach. If you cannot make these sessions the children will still be very welcome on a Saturday.
