⚽ Whole of Football 2.0 is here — and things are looking exciting! 🎉

This year brings some great changes to how our younger grades are run, and we couldn't be more pumped about it! One of the best parts? We're teaming up with other local clubs to create a real game experience for our tamariki. Here's the rundown for each age group 👇

👟 First Kicks — Clare Park 📅 Saturday mornings | 9:30am

First Kicks has always been something special at Burwood, and that's not changing! Loads of our older players started right here and made friendships that have lasted years. 💛

Sessions are led by some of our most experienced members — Murray (Club President), Don Macdonald, and Andy Johnson. At this age it's all about fun, confidence, and falling in love with the game. A relaxed, positive environment where kids can just enjoy themselves! 😄🌟

⚽ 6th & 7th Grade — Redwood Park, Sturrocks Rd 📅 Saturday mornings | 11:15am – 12:15pm 🤝 Shared with Papanui Redwood AFC & Western AFC

A three-club setup bringing a real game feel to our youngest grades! 🙌

Session format: 🔹 First half — club-led warm up & skill-based activities (run by Burwood) 🔹 Second half — small-sided games

Games: 3v3 | No goalkeepers | Smaller fields | Teams of ~4 players rotating to maximise game time ⏱️

If we have extra players, we'll share across Burwood teams or help out the opposition if they're short — keeping it balanced and fun for everyone! 😊

🏃 8th & 9th Grade — Cuthberts Green 📅 Saturday mornings 🤝 Eastern Junior Football Hub — Burwood, Coastal Spirit, Parklands United & Western AFC

A fantastic four-club hub bringing the competition up a notch! 💪

Times: 🕤 8th Grade: 9:30 – 10:40am 🕙 9th Grade: 10:50am – 12:00pm

Session format: 🔹 First 25 mins — training & skills 🔹 Final 45 mins — games

Games: 3 x 15-minute games | 5v5 with goalkeepers | No halves ⚽🧤

It's a fantastic new structure and we can't wait to see our kids out there enjoying the game! See you on the park this Saturday 👊

#UpTheWood #BurwoodAFC #JuniorFootball #WholeOfFootball

Article added: Wednesday 29 April 2026