2026 Junior Football (Ages 10M-12M and 9G-13G)

North Shore United AFC
(Players born in 2014, 2015 & 2016 – Grades 10, 11 & 12)

Update 10 May 2026- Junior Teams are now full and players can now join our waitlist for the next team spot by using this link: Please register https://nsu.org.nz/2026-winter-football-registrations/juniors-registration-10-to-12-yrs

Competition Format

Teams in Grades 10, 11 and 12 compete in the Northern Region Federation (NRF) competition.

Matches are played on Saturday mornings
Fixtures are organised and managed by NRF
Games take place across the North Shore and wider Northern Region

Please note: The competition draw is managed solely by NRF, not North Shore United or other clubs.

2026 Season Update (WOF 2.0)

The overall football experience for players in these grades remains largely unchanged in 2026.

The key update is:

Players in Grade 12 will continue playing a 9v9 format when they move into Grade 13 next year (2027)

Team Structure

Our focus is on creating balanced teams that support both enjoyment and friendships.

Grade 10 & 11 Mixed and Girls Only Teams

7v7 format
Squads of 10 players
Mini Football 10-11 Years Rules here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=b5e0915f-132d-4886-9aed-04ca5642f147

Grade 12 Mixed and Grade 12/13 Girls Only Teams

9v9 format
Squads of 12 players
Mini Football 12 -13 Years Rules here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=78100ccc-3706-4d8f-9738-c41379fb7a0c

Each team will have:

One coach (club supported)
Game Day coach (parent volunteer)
One manager (parent volunteer)

During registration, parents may request for their child to be placed with friends. We will do our best to accommodate these requests where possible.

Our Approach (No Grading in junior ages)

At North Shore United, we do not grade players in junior football.

Why?

Children develop at different rates, physically, technically, and emotionally. Early grouping based on perceived ability can have unintended consequences, including:

Reduced confidence for some players
Limited long term development opportunities
Increased pressure at an age where enjoyment should be the priority

For example, a player who has not yet developed may feel left behind, lose confidence, and become disengaged from the game. In some cases, this can lead to players leaving football altogether.

However, with time and continued support, that same player may develop into a very capable and confident footballer. Our responsibility is to ensure all players remain engaged, supported, and enjoying the game, giving them the best opportunity to reach their potential over time.

A Holistic Approach to Player Development

North Shore United provides a structured and inclusive football environment that supports all players, regardless of their goals or level of experience.

Whether a player wishes to:

Participate socially with friends
Develop their skills further
Experience a more challenging and competitive environment

We offer clear pathways to support their journey.

The junior programme serves as the foundation, focusing on building confidence, enjoyment, and fundamental football skills.

For players seeking additional development or a more challenging environment, further opportunities are available through our club programmes, including our Skill Centre. If your player is motivated to develop and is preparing to play in a more competitive team as they move into the youth grades, we strongly recommend participation in the Skill Centre Programme, as it supports the technical and tactical development required for the next stage of their football journey.

Training Schedule

Grade 10M (Mondays 4:00 – 5:00 pm)

River – Brad P
Millonarios – Cole W
Palmeiras – Sami
Boca – Jayden

Grade 11M (Mondays 5:00 – 6:00 pm)

Napoli – Cole
Juventus – Brad
Inter – Jayden

AC Milan – Michael

Grade 12M (Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:15 pm)

Valencia – Cole
Real Madrid – Brad
Sevilla – Michael L
Barcelona – Jayden

Girls Training Times

Thursday 3:45 – 4:45 pm

9/10G Grade Santos
9/10G Grade Cali
10/11G Grade Nacional
10/11G Grade Flamengo

Thursday 5:00 – 6:15 pm

12/13G Grade Lazio

12/13 Grade BetisG (TBC)

All sessions are delivered by club coaches to ensure consistency and quality across the programme.

Managers and Coaches

Team Managers (Parent Volunteers)
Managers support team organisation and communication during the week and are included in the club’s Coaches and Managers communication group.

Coaches
Training sessions during the week are led by club coaches. On match days, teams may require a parent or volunteer to support with game day coaching.

Equipment and Gear

Each team is provided with:

Bibs and cones
Match balls
First aid kit
Whistle
Goalkeeper gloves (where available)
Player of the Day certificates

In addition, each player receives a ball for warm ups and optional team training sessions.

Game Day Information

Kick-off Times
Games are scheduled between 10:00am and 12:00pm.

Locations
Matches are played across the Northern Region, including:

North Shore
Rodney District Sports, Hibiscus Coast
Warkworth
West Auckland (Kumeu and Oratia)

Set Up and Pack Down (Home Games)

The first team of the day must arrive 30 minutes prior to kick off to set up the field
Setup includes junior goals, retreating line markers, and cones for field markings

The final team of the day is responsible for:

Packing down equipment
Returning all gear to the storage area
Stacking goals neatly near the clubhouse

Uniform

All players are required to wear the official North Shore United playing kit.

Junior Players are required to purchase playing shirt, shorts and socks in maroon colourway "team red"

Uniform items can be purchased through the club approved retail partner Intersport. NSU Kit, intersports

Junior Football Philosophy

North Shore United is committed to providing an environment where players can develop both on and off the field.

Our approach focuses on:

Encouraging a lifelong enjoyment of football
Supporting individual player development
Providing clear pathways between social and competitive football
Promoting values such as respect, teamwork, and confidence

Final Note

Junior football at North Shore United is centred around enjoyment, learning, and connection.

Whether a player is new to the game, playing with friends, or beginning to take football more seriously, the club is committed to supporting each individual throughout their journey.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me : Mauricio@nsu.org.nz Mauricio Rojas Director of FootballNorth Shore United AFC