9 A-side

For players aged 11-12 years old as of 1st May 2025

The 9 Aside player will use this grade as the final stepping stone toward the more expansive 11 v 11 football.

At this age, players become more competitive and aware of others while retaining a thirst to learn through playing.

Coaches will provide them with a challenging environment that offers lots of opportunities to make decisions, learn new skills and apply them within the game. Teams play 9 v 9 Home and Away matches against other clubs in the Tararua Hub.

Players train once during a week with the aid of age appropriate drills within the Whole of Football Plan from NZ Football.

Players will be managed into teams of 10-12 players and will remain in the same team throughout the whole season.

When & Where:

Training day and time is generally mid-week and decided by the coach. Sessions run for approximatly 60-90 mins during after school hours.

Game days are Saturday Mornings - either at Home (Hockey Park, Grant Street Woodville) or away in Dannevirke or Pahiatua. 

Meet & Warmup: 10:00am

Kick Off: 10:30am

Game Length: 70 mins (2x35min halves)

What will they need:

• All players require a pair of shin pads & football boots. Shin pads can be purchased from most sports gear outlets or from our club shop. WAFC does have a large selection of loan boots donated by our playing families. Please enquire with the club if you need help obtaining a pair.
• Players will also need to purchase Royal Blue football socks - available through our club shop.
• WAFC provides team uniforms which are allocated for the season then returned at season's end.
• Drink Bottle.
• Warm clothing.

How does this happen:

9 Aside is usually coached by a parent and/or older sibling of a team memeber.

The team also requires at least one parent to manage things like Communication, Uniforms, Player of the Day certificates etc and generally being there to support the coach.