JUNIOR FRAMEWORK
The Junior Framework provides a consistent, coordinated national approach to the development of junior players. Whether children enjoy football because it’s a fun way to make friends or they’re inspired to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and play on the world stage, the Junior Framework has been developed to kick-start their dreams.
The Junior Framework provides a consistent, coordinated national approach to the development of junior players. Its main aim is to provide all junior players with high quality football experiences that increase both skill levels and the passion for playing football.
Through the Junior Framework players will experience age appropriate football games and coaching in a programme that is specifically tailored to meet their football wants and needs.
THE JUNIOR FRAMEWORK OFFERS AGE APPROPRIATE GAMES FORMATS AND TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING AGE GROUPS (more detail below):
- McDonald’s First Kicks (4-6 years old)
- McDonald’s Fun Football (7-8 years old)
- McDonald’s Mini Football (9-12 years old)
FOR INFORMATION ON MCDONALDS JUNIOR FOOTBALL PLEASE SEE THE RESOURCES BELOW:
PRINCIPLES
Underpinning the Junior Framework are the following principles, which provide clear structure for programmes to be developed under.
- Accumulation of hours and number of touches
- Early engagement
- Recognising development age of the player
- Training emphasis periods
- Four corners approach (incorporating the Physical / Mental / Social-Emotional / Technical-Tactical abilities of players)
- Age appropriate games
SMALL SIDED GAMES – THE KEY INGREDIENT
Street football across the world has been instrumental in the development of world-class players, and small sided games are the cornerstone of developing technically proficient and creative football players in a New Zealand context.
The benefits of small sided games extend far beyond technical and tactical development. They ensure children develop an innate love for the game and remain in our sport for longer.
YOUTH FRAMEWORK
The Youth Framework provides a clear, coordinated national approach to the development of youth players aged 13-19 years. Its main aim is to provide all youth players, regardless of their ability, with high quality experiences in order to retain them in or attract them to the game.
The Youth Framework provides clear pathways for players ensuring that young footballers can access opportunities to play at an appropriate level.
During the youth years, growth and maturation, as well as interest and commitment to the sport, do not develop at the same rate for all players. It is important that football activity shapes both the player and the person in a challenging, safe and enjoyable environment.
The Youth Framework will also provide clear training and match day guidelines that are linked to the New Zealand Football Playing Philosophy. This will enable an aligned approach to helping players increase their technical proficiency, tactical understanding and love for the game.
YOUTH FRAMEWORK RESOURCE
PRINCIPLES
- Quality & Quantity
- Football For All
- Recognising Development Age
- Physical Wellbeing
- Holistic Player Development - The Four Corners Approach
- The Match Is For The Player
- Planning