Our teams play in the Western Bay of Plenty leagues on Saturday morning across our home fields, Links Avenue Reserve & Ocean Downs. Whether you're keen to play competitively or socially, we have multiple teams in each grade from ages 13-17.
Teams are graded into age groups for the age players are turning this calendar year. For example, if you are 12 but turning 13 this year, you will be in the U13 age group. Most teams will train once per week, but this is up to the coach and team to determine the time and day(s).
We have plenty of options for Junior & Youth players, including extra programmes for those kids that want to hone their skills with one of our experienced and qualified coaches in our partner club, FC Tauranga Moana (FCTM). To help navigate the football landscape, here's a quick guide to registration.
U13 - U19
For all players aged 13 - 19, who want to play football during Terms 2 & 3.
Registrations open in January and teams announced in March. Coaches will advise training times. Leagues start in Term 2.
Would you like to coach? Contact us at hello@tcafc.co.nz
We form teams to align with NZF policies. this means that no trials are held, but we do have a muster at the start of the season so new players have the opportunity to meet other players in the club. A copy of our Junior & Youth Team Formation & Grading can be found on our Resources page.
U12 - U17 Academy
For players looking to play in the WaiBOP U12 Regional, WaiBOP Y-League (Federation) or the NRFL Youth leagues.
FC Tauranga Moana Academy | fctm.co.nz/academy
If you have any further questions, please contact hello@tcafc.co.nz
Fees
Our regular season fees are:
Saturday Junior & Youth Football (ages 7+) $155
Playing Philosophy
Every player is important to us at TCAFC. Our goal is to ensure that all of our boys and girls are playing at a level that meets their needs. We will do our best to create the best environment possible for all players to reach their footballing goals.
Game Formats, Rules and the Retreating Line
Please make yourself familiar with the rules. This can all be found on the WaiBOP website here.
Game Days
Please help your coach and manager on game day if you are the duty team. Getting fields ready and makng sure you arrive at the right time. Each team will need to supply a referee for at least a half. We recommend that everyone does the online referee course, it only costs $5 and doesn’t take long. This is a great way to get to know the rules of your grade, like the retreating line (very important). Knowing the rules of football makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
Which Grade?
Your grade is the age you're turning this calendar year. e.g. If you are 11 now but turning 12 this year you will be in the 12th grade. If you are 11 now and turning 12 next year, you will be in the 11th grade.
Team Forming
In 2018, we removed “trials” and in 2021 this approach was supported by New Zealand Football (NZF) Team Formation & Grading guidance. A full copy of our Team Formation and Grading policy can be found on: tcafc.co.nz/resources.
On Registration, we ask players if there are any teams or players they would like to play with this season. We try our best to accommodate these requests. Don’t worry, if you are new to our club or don’t mind - we’ll place you in a team.
Team Name
If you're not keen on your team name, just let us know hello@tcafc.co.nz
Coach Education and Support
Barry Gardiner (Director of Football) and Maia Ririnui (Head of Youth) will be helping support and nurture our junior coaches to develop their own skills and support them in delivering the best football practice. They will be hosting coach education events throughout the year and be available to help all our coaches.
Team Communication
Plenty of options like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are handy. Another popular option is the Heja app, which allows you to set up training and game times that the team can indicate attendance.
Tournaments
Teams are welcome to enter tournaments during the season. A couple of popular ones are the Otumoetai pre-season and Papamoa mid-season (approx July) tournaments. You need to enter these yourself. Keep an eye out for details on the host clubs Facebook pages.
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Registration - please click on the Register link on this website for more information.
- Team Formation & Grading Policy - available to download on this page.
- Junior and Youth Playing Formats - keep up to date on your grade. Field & ball size, how many in a team, the retreating line (offside) rules.
- Draws, Results and Tables - Available under the "Draws" menu on the WaiBOP site. We will also post draws to social media which can also be viewed on our website home page.
- Entering scores - U13 boys and above.
- Using Friendly Manager (FM - our club system) - You can find documents on how to use FM on our website Resource page.