What Grade?

What grade should my child play?

NZ Football has developed the Whole of Football Plan – a national framework that is the result of three years researching best practice from football organisations around the world. There are now guidelines to help clubs deliver consistent junior football programmes matched to the needs of young players.  You can read more online by clicking on the Junior framework link at Click here

The format for the different grades is outlined below:


First Kicks - children turning 5 and 6 years
“lots of movement, variety and fun”

  • Run by individual clubs
  • Saturdays, 11am-12noon, Balclutha Showgrounds
  • Rotation through activity stations, then small sided games
  • 4 v 4
  • Shin pads essential, boots optional but recommended, shirts provided
  • First Kicks cost for 2022 - $45


Fun Football - children turning 7 and 8 years

  • Practices Thursdays, 4-5pm,
  • Game Day Saturdays, 10-11am
  • Rotation through activity stations, then small sided games (no goalie, no corners, no throw-ins, small goals)
  • 5 v 5
  • Shin pads and boots essential, red shorts and socks required, shirts provided
  • No points table
  • Fun Football cost for 2022 - $65


Mini Football (10th Grade) – children turning 9 and 10 years

  • Practices Thursdays, 4-5pm,
  • Game Day Saturdays, 10.30am
  • 7 v 7
  • Shin pads and boots essential, red shorts and socks required, shirts provided
  • Points table, semis and finals\
  • 10th Grade cost for 2022 - $65


Mini Football (12th Grade) – children turning 11 and 12 years

  • Practices Wednesdays, 4-5/5.30pm,
  • Game Day Saturdays, 9.30am
  • 7 v 7 or 9 v 9 depending on numbers
  • Shin pads and boots essential, red shorts and socks required, shirts provided
  • Points table, semis and finals
  • 12th Grade cost for 2022 - $65


13th Grade and above play in the Dunedin Competition

  • 13th Grade – for players turning 13 this year, Dunedin competition
  • 13th Grade cost for 2022 - $90


14th/15th age banded grade – for players turning 14 and 15 this year, Dunedin competition
Youth grade - for players 16-18 this year, Dunedin competition
Dunedin teams are entered in the grade that the majority of players are eligible for.


There is flexibility for children to play in other grades depending on their individual circumstances and ability.  This will be decided by the club on a case by case basis.  Children turning 6 at the beginning of the calendar year may play in the Fun Football grade.  From 12th grade and up girls are automatically eligible for a 1 year dispensation, e.g. a girl turning 13 may play in the 12th grade competition.