Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

🔹 Every player must register on our Player Registrations Page – do not use COMET!

🔹 If you are a coach or manager who is NOT playing, do not use the player registration form. Instead, complete the form on our Non-Player Registrations Page.

❌ Parents/guardians who are NOT playing do not need to register separately. Just enter your child's details.

🚨 Registration Deadline: Tuesday 8 April – registrations close for 2025.

How much does a membership cost?

💳 Great news - we've put a freeze on fees! They remain unchanged from last year and vary by grade:

🔹 First kicks (turning 4-6 in 2025) and fun football (turning 7-8 in 2025): $70
🔹 Junior football (turning 9-12 in 2025): $125
🔹 Youth football (turning 13-19 in 2025): $135
🔹 Senior football (20+ years): $270

⚠️ Players cannot receive uniforms or play matches until fees have been paid.

💬 If full upfront payment is not possible, please email our club administrator, Marama Cribb, at bbuafc@gmail.com for a confidential discussion about alternative arrangements.

How do I pay?

💳 Full payment of membership fees is required at registration.

We offer two online payment options:

🔹 POLi (online direct debit - transaction fee of 1% + GST)
🔹 Stripe (credit/debit card - transaction fee of 2.9% plus 30c per transaction)

⚠️ If payment is not completed, your registration will not be processed. 

​​​​​​​I'm keen to get involved at the club - can I help?

Absolutely! Whether you can coach, manage, referee, join the club’s board, sponsor, or simply lend a hand, every bit helps!

📢 Who to contact:

  • First Kicks & Fun Football: Nadene Bucherer – 021 0243 3841
  • Junior & Youth Football: Hayley McGinley – 021 172 4466 | Jessie Percival – 027 541 0812
  • Girls' & Women's Football: Shauna Bryne – 027 302 3951
  • Senior Men's Football: Steve Pether – 027 286 5259 
  • Sponsorship, Club Board or Refereeing: Hayden Green – 021 266 4884

🆕 New to coaching? No problem! We can help you get started! 

📩 Want to help but not sure how? contact our club administrator, Marama Cribb, at bbuafc@gmail.com.

Which grade will my child be in?

Your child's grade is based on the age they turn in 2025 (or have already turned):

  • First Kicks – Ages 4 to 6 in 2025
  • Fun Football – Ages 7 to 8 in 2025
  • 9th Grade – Turning 9 in 2025
  • 10th Grade – Turning 10 in 2025
  • 11th Grade – Turning 11 in 2025
  • …and so on.

Children will be placed in the appropriate grade based on age.
Dispensations to play in a higher or lower grade will be considered on a case-by-case basis by our Junior and Youth Football Coordinators.

⚠️ Note: We are happy to discuss your child's circumstances during the dispensation process, but not other children's.

What is First Kicks & Fun Football?

🏃 Ages 4-6 – First Kicks⚽ Ages 7-8 – Fun Football

These programs focus on fun and learning, helping kids discover the game while developing confidence and basic skills.

🔹 Training: Thursdays, 4:00pm–5:00pm @ Ruakaka Recreation Reserve
🔹 Saturday Games: Mini-games @ Ruakaka Recreation Reserve, 8:15am–10:00am
🔹 Whangarei Festivals: Players will travel to Whangarei several times a year to compete in festivals against other Northland clubs (dates announced in advance).

📌 More details here: First Kicks & Fun Football Info.

What is Junior & Youth Football?

🏆 Ages 9-12 – Junior Football ⚡ Ages 13-19 – Youth Football

Junior and youth football focuses on inclusivity, development, and quality match experiences while fostering a lifelong love of the game.

🔹 Training for Junior Football: Thursdays, 4:00pm–5:00pm @ Ruakaka Recreation Reserve
🔹 Training for Youth Football: Thursdays, 4:30pm–5:30pm @ Ruakaka Recreation Reserve (later start time helps players from more distant high schools to make it!)
🔹 Matches: Saturday mornings (home and away games)

📌 Away games: Some matches require travel to Whangarei and beyond (e.g., Ngunguru, Kerikeri, Paihia, Dargaville, Mangawhai, Kaitaia), depending on team divisions.

🔹 Whangarei Festivals: Like younger grades, junior and youth players will also participate in Whangarei festivals.

📌 More details here: Junior Football Info & Youth Football Info.

Are you offering girls-only football this year?

Yes! This year, Northern Regional Football (NRF) aims to offer two girls-only divisions:

⚽ 9th-10th Grade
⚽ 11th-12th Grade

Final divisions will depend on numbers. On your registration form, please indicate whether your child prefers to play in a girls-only team or a mixed team.

What about Senior Football?

👟 Senior football is for players aged 19 and over. All ability levels are welcome!

🔹 Senior Men: Pre-season training – Wednesdays from 5 March, 6:30 PM
🔹 Senior Women: Pre-season training – Thursdays from 6 March, 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Ruakaka Recreation Reserve

📌 Matches:

  • Senior Men: Saturday afternoons
  • Senior Women: Sunday afternoons (or Friday nights)
  • Away Games: Some matches require travel (e.g., Ngunguru, Kerikeri, Paihia, Dargaville, Mangawhai, Kaitaia - depending on which teams are in the division).

What are the key dates for the season?

📅 Saturday 8 March – Have a Go Day (10am–12pm @ Ruakaka Recreation Reserve)
👦 For ages 4–10 – Come and try football!

⚽ Pre-season Training @ Ruakaka Recreation Reserve:
🔹 Senior Men – Wednesdays from 5 March, 6:30pm
🔹 Senior Women – Thursdays from 6 March, 6:00pm
🔹 Junior – Thursdays from 27 March, 4:00pm–5:00pm
🔹 Youth – Thursdays from 27 March, 4:30pm–5:30pm
🔹 First Kicks & Fun Football – Thursdays from 1 May, 4:00pm–5:00pm

🚨 Registration Deadline: Tuesday 8 April – Registrations close for 2025. We need registrations to be completed by this date so we can finalise teams before the season starts.

🏆 Competition Start Date: Saturday 3 May – First competition matches of the season.
📅 The season runs through late August/early September (note that First Kicks and Fun Football starts a little later - in early May).

⚠️ Important:
🔹 No First Kicks, Fun Football, or junior/youth matches during school holidays (coaches may still run training).
🔹 Northern Regional Football has indicated games will be played on Matariki & King’s Birthday weekends!

What do I need to buy?

🔹 Uniform (shirt & shorts) is provided – distributed before the season starts.

🔹 Players must bring their own:

✔️ Football boots
✔️ Shin guards
✔️ Socks (BBU-branded maroon socks available for $10/pair when uniforms are distributed).

📌 Boots & shin guards can be purchased at Rebel Sport or similar stores.

🔹 Second-hand boots available! If you need a pair (or have some to donate), email bbuafc@gmail.com.

⚠️ Do not buy boots with metal studs – Northern Regional Football does not allow them at festivals!

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

🔹 A full list of club contacts is available here: Club Contacts.

📩 General enquiries: contact our club administrator, Marama Cribb, at bbuafc@gmail.com.