Winter football runs predominantly between May and September (during Terms 2 & 3 of the school year), but the Blue Rovers runs football programmes throughout the year. More information can be found on our Winter Football Information page.
Winter Football Programmes
First Kicks (Grade 4 to 7) is for children aged 4 to 7 (born in 2019 to 2022). This is usually a child’s (and some parents) first experience with football. First Kicks is about giving things a go in a fun and safe environment. It doesn’t look like 11-aside football, but is designed to develop a love for the game which is what will keep the child coming back to football and sport. First Kicks is at 8.30am on Saturday mornings at our home grounds. Children must already have had their 4th birthday in order to register for this programme.
Mini Football (Grade 8 and 9) is for children aged 8 and 9 (born in 2017 and 2018). At this stage children are starting to develop their football skills through fun and play. Football at this stage is characterised by lots of touches on the ball and plenty of opportunities for players to take risks and try new things. Grade 8-9 play 5-aside with goal keepers.
Junior Football (Grade 10 to 13) is for children aged 10 to 13 (born 2013 to 2016). This is often called ‘the golden ages of learning’ as children can learn and grow rapidly. The challenge at this stage is to provide young footballers with the opportunities and support they need to develop their individual skills such as striking the ball, receiving the ball, 1v1, travelling with the ball, pressing, marking, intercepting, tackling, movement and communication. Grade 10-11 play 7-aside football with goal keepers. Grade 12-13 play 9-aside football with goal keepers.
Youth Football (Grade 14 to 19) is for youth aged 14 to 19 (born in 2007 to 2012). At this stage, young footballers are introduced to how they can translate the individual skills they have developed into team success. Players try out and learn different positions and how each position contributes to the team in different moments of the game.
Our Development Programme is for players aged 8 and older (born in 2016 and earlier) and runs from February to September. It is a partnership between coaches, players and caregivers to accelerate the football ability of players with a Growth Mindset and a strong work ethic. The development programme has two streams: 1) development trainings and 2) development teams. Development trainings are on Fridays and provide players with an additional football coaching contact with experienced coaches. Development teams are for players in grade 10 and above. We form as many development teams as possible with players who want to play with other development players in weekend football leagues.
Girls Only Football is played alongside mixed football at all of the stages above, but recognises that girls often enjoy their experience more when playing with and against other girls. Girls and womens teams recieve the same support and resources as mixed teams at the Blue Rovers.
Senior Football is for usually for adults 19 and older. It recognises that people play football for a variety of reasons including competition, social connection, health and wellbeing. Development Programme members may play in senior teams or leagues if they provide the correct challenge point.
