Competition Football
The NSFA’s junior competition program is for the U12-U18 playing groups. Mixed boys and girls and girls only programs are offered.
Greenwich Sports Club forms a range of teams within these age groups depending on registration preferences. For the most part, teams are coached, managed and refereed by parents - making junior Club participation a family affair!
Which age group can my child register for?
For the list of current Birth Date Requirements, please click here. Juniors may not play below the age group that covers their year of birth and they may only play up two age groups. Depending on enrolments, the Club may not be able to field teams in all age groups and will attempt to group players as best as possible within the allowable age restrictions. For more information, see the Club’s Player Grading and Team Selection Policy.
What is the format of the games?
Junior competition games are played on a full size football field with 11 players on the field. A size 4 ball is used for U12 and U13. All other age groups use a size 5 ball.
Game duration is as follows:
- U12: 50 minutes total (two 25 minute halves)
- U13-U14: 60 minutes total (two 30 minute halves)
- U15-U16: 70 minutes total (two 35 minute halves)
- U17-U18: 90 minutes total (two 45 minute halves)
When are the games played?
Mixed U12 – U18 play on Saturdays (Mixed U13 teams can choose to play a Saturday and/or Sunday competition). Girls U12-U18 play on Sundays.
The draw is posted on the NSFA website. The team manager is responsible for notifying all team members of the draw, ground and game time each week.
Where are the games played?
Greenwich Sports Club’s home ground is Bob Campbell Oval at Gore Creek. However, junior home games may also be played at Blackman Park in Lane Cove or at other local venues. Away games can be at other grounds on the North Shore from North Sydney to Lindfield to Berowra.
The NSFA website has a grounds locator and your team manager will typically provide grounds details as well.
What gear is required?
The Club provides jerseys which are returned at the end of the season. The first year a Football player registers they will receive a pair of Greenwich Sports Club uniform socks. Players provide their own boots, shin-pads and black shorts. For purchasing information, click here.
How are the teams determined?
Greenwich Sports Club regards the grading process as being an important part of the season’s preparation. We have found that players who are not graded properly do not have as much fun playing as they otherwise could. Our emphasis in the junior age groups is very much on fun, but we also like to make sure the players are given every chance to improve their football skills and to try to make sure they come back to football year after year.
Teams in the U12 to U18 age groups will be fully graded, subject to there being sufficient player numbers to form more than one team.
The Club maintains a formal policy on player selection to age groups and team selection and grading. To review that policy, please click here.
Who coaches the teams?
Coaching is very rewarding and great fun. Generally a parent or friend coaches the team. The Club encourages all coaches to attend the free training courses run by the Club. The Club will financially support coaches who attend coaching courses run by Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSNA) or other approved courses. The Club supplies coaches with kit bags containing training bibs, cones and other material.
How are the teams managed?
The team manager is responsible for organising the team and ensuring all players are aware of training and game times. The team manager also assists in the Club’s communications to players and parents. Team managers are also encouraged to arrange team social events during the season. Teams typically select a parent to manage once the team has been formed.
There will be a managers meeting before the start of the season where all necessary information from the Club will be provided.
Is there training?
Training is organised within each team individually and usually depends on the availability of the coach. Teams usually train once per week for an hour during the season. Training is typically at Bob Campbell Oval. Grounds and training times are requested by teams and allocated by the Club at the start of the season.
What happens if it rains?
After wet weather, grounds can be closed at short notice and sometimes for several days as determined by council rangers. Ground closures are notified by the NSFA on their website. They do their best to update their website by around 3:15pm on weekdays and 7:45am on match days. Please be aware that some grounds may be closed at short notice after these times if conditions change. Councils also have wet weather hotlines and website information.
Can I help?
Yes, the Club relies on volunteers. At the team level, we encourage you to note on your registration if you are interesting in being a Coach, Manager or Referee. For Club level volunteer opportunities, please click here.
How much does it cost?
For current membership fee and payment policies please click here.
What are Age Group Co-ordinators?
Age Group Co-ordinators have been nominated for different age groups to assist with registration, field general enquiries and handle issues that are outside of the coach/manager’s areas of responsibility. To find your child’s Age Group Coordinator, please click here.
Registration
Online registration begins in mid January/early February each year—details are available by clicking here. Teams are determined in February/March. Training starts in mid-March. The season proper usually starts in late March or early April. The season concludes with the Association gala day at the end of August and the Club holds a picnic day in September.
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!
For more information about the NSFA Junior Competition, including regulations and manuals, please click here.
