Fun Football

Philosophy

We want children to have fun and fall in love with the game. For First Kicks, teams are organised on the day, to ensure a balance of skills and friendship. There is no competition ladder for these age groups, no recorded results and no table keeping. We follow a positive coaching framework; we encourage players positively and let them PLAY.

Game day

Fun Football refers to U8s and U9s

Fun Football is changing for 2026; there will be a mixture of home intra club games (Mangawhai teams vs Mangawhai teams), home games against local opposition, away games against local opposition and tournaments in Whangarei.

We will train once a week, with Saturday game days to comprise a short warm up followed by up to 3 x 15 minute games.

We will aim to keep 9am kick off times; game times and draws and cancellations will be notified via facebook and the Coachmate app.

Football rules for Fun Football

  • 5 vs 5 format with goalkeepers
  • Retreating line is halfway
  • No offsides, no penalties and no cards (educate on player behaviour)
  • Free kicks can be direct or indirect – opposition to be 5 metres away
  • No throw ins.  If the ball goes out, the opposite team kick the ball back in from the side-line. Opposition must be 5 metres away
  • Kick off – pass from halfway, opposition to be 5 metres away
  • Corners - yes

Game day management

It would be great if each team has one or two managers on site to help with substitutions and rotations (no limit).  Coaches and managers can go on the field on game day if the children need some “directional” help. In those situations, the manager will stop the game quickly and intervene then leave the space (30 seconds in and out).

All grades are required to clear all mini-goals, cones/flat markers and kit bags and take them back to the club shed after their games.


Cancellations

Game day cancellations will be notified on the Club’s Facebook page and via the CoachMate App.

What gear is required

The Club supplies playing bibs, shirts and shorts. Players are required to buy black socks (included in fees).

Children must also have boots, shin pads and a water bottle both for training and on game day. 


More information from NRF on Fun Football      https://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=8efb475a-a218-41a8-8ae0-b210a51437a7