Find Your Grade at Balclutha Junior Football Club

Whether your child is picking up a football for the first time or already loves the game, Balclutha Junior Football Club welcomes players of all abilities.

Girls and boys are welcome across our junior grades. We want every child to enjoy football, learn new skills, make friends and experience being part of a team.

Training and Game Days

Our junior teams usually train on Thursdays from 4:00 pm at the club grounds, with games played on Saturdays.

The times below reflect our usual arrangements. Training times, game times and grade structures for the 2027 season will be confirmed closer to the season.

First Kicks — Ages 5–6

A fun introduction to football

First Kicks introduces young players to football in a fun, encouraging environment.

Usual game day: Saturday, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Location: Balclutha ShowgroundsTeam format: 4-a-side

2027 registration fee: $50

Players rotate through activity stations before enjoying small-sided games that help them develop basic football skills.

What to bring:

  • Shin pads are essential.

  • Football boots are optional but recommended.

  • Playing shirts are provided by the club.

Fun Football — Ages 7–8

Building skills and confidence

Fun Football helps children develop their football skills while learning to work together and enjoy the game.

Usual game day: Saturday, 10:00–11:00 am. Training: Thursday from 4:00 pmTeam format: 5-a-side

2027 registration fee: $70

Players take part in activities and small-sided games designed to keep them involved and enjoying plenty of time with the ball. The format has no goalkeepers, corners or throw-ins, and small goals are used.

What to bring:

  • Shin pads and football boots are essential.

  • Red football shorts and socks are required.

  • Playing shirts are provided by the club.

There is no points table at this level. The focus is on learning, participation and enjoyment.

Mini Football — 10th Grade, Ages 9–10

Developing skills and teamwork

Players continue building their technical skills, understanding of the game and teamwork.

Usual game day: Saturday, 10:30 am. Training: Thursday from 4:00 pm Team format: 7-a-side 

2027 registration fee: $70

What to bring:

  • Shin pads and football boots are essential.

  • Red football shorts and socks are required.

  • Playing shirts are provided by the club.

This grade has a points table, with semi-finals and finals as part of the competition structure.

Mini Football — 12th Grade, Ages 11–12

Taking the next step

Players continue developing their skills, tactical understanding and confidence as they progress through junior football.

Usual game day: Saturday, 9:30 am. Training: Thursday from 4:00 pm. Team format: Usually 7-a-side or 9-a-side, depending on numbers and competition arrangements 

2027 registration fee: $70

What to bring:

  • Shin pads and football boots are essential.

  • Red football shorts and socks are required.

  • Playing shirts are provided by the club.

This grade has a points table, with semi-finals and finals as part of the competition structure.

13th Grade — Age 13

Players at this level generally participate in the Dunedin competition.

2027 registration fee: $70

Training, game times, team format and competition arrangements for 2027 will be confirmed once information is available from the club and Southern Football.

Players and parents are welcome to contact the club for guidance about the next step in their football journey.

14th–15th Grade — Ages 14–15

Players in these age groups generally move into the youth football pathway and may participate in the Dunedin competition.

Depending on the player and the competition available, Balclutha Association Football Club may also be an option to explore. Women's football is available through the Dunedin pathway, while men's development football may be available through Southland.

Please contact the relevant club for current team availability, fees and competition details.

16th–18th Grade — Ages 16–18

This is the youth football pathway for older players.

Depending on the player and the competition available, Balclutha Association Football Club may be an option to explore. Women's football is available through the Dunedin pathway, while men's first-team football may be available through Southland.

Please contact the relevant club for current team availability, fees and competition details.

A Note About Grades and Age Groups

The grade that best suits a player can depend on their age, experience, development and the competition rules in place for the season.

In some circumstances, grade flexibility or an age dispensation may be possible. These arrangements need to be checked against the applicable competition rules.

If you're unsure which grade is right for your child, please get in touch with the club. We're happy to help.

2027 Registration Information

Registrations are expected to open in January 2027 and close on 30 March 2027.

A $10 late-registration administration fee applies to registrations received after the closing date.

Grade2027 registration fee

First Kicks — ages 5–6$50

Fun Football — ages 7–8$70

10th Grade — ages 9–10$70

12th Grade — ages 11–12$70

13th/14th Grade$70

Fees and arrangements for other older youth grades should be confirmed with the relevant club.

For full registration details and to register, please visit our Registration Information page.

Ready to Play?

We look forward to welcoming new and returning players for the 2027 season.

Everyone is welcome — come and give football a go!