What is First Kicks?

These sessions are aimed at 4 - 6 year olds with or without any previous experience kicking a ball.  Early engagement for players as young as 4 years old into the game helps allow the children an opportunity to discover the game and provide for learning basic fundamental movement skills and create positive football experiences. 

When do we train/play?

First Kicks commences on first Friday of Term 2, between 5:15pm and 6:15pm behind the Marist Clubrooms, 19 Pascal St, Palmerston North.

The programme outline

•         5:15pm – Muster and assignment of grid groups at the Marist Clubrooms
•         5:30pm to 6:00pm – training in grids
•         6:10pm – Re-group for certificates and club notices.

 What do the children require?

We expect all children to arrive in white shorts, Marist green socks, shin pads and it would be great if they have boots but sneakers are fine. Shirts will be provided each Friday to assist with team identification.

Who trains the kids?

Volunteers from the club or friends of the club who will be overseen by the coordinator from the Marist Junior Football Club. Parents will be encouraged to support the coach and their child when and where possible throughout the season.

How does it work?

Children are divided into teams of 8-10 players.  Girls and boys are separated in an effort to get more girls playing football, and to assist in them having more touches on the ball every session.  Depending on numbers 3 or 4 periods of 8 minutes each in grids, play will take place. The children rotate round the different squares with a "Game Leader" in each square for a different football related activity in each. After this the children have a 4 vs 4 game of football.

What is Fun Football?

Fun Football is for players turning 7 years old (7th grade- born in 2017) or 8 years old (8th grade - born in 2016) in the year of play.

How does it work?

Your child is placed into a team following their registration and will be in this team for the season (unless change is required, in collaboration with the Grade Coordinator and Director of Football). A coach will be assigned/volunteer. They coach/manage this team for the duration of the season. 

When do we train/play?

On a Saturday morning most games are held at Monrad Park, corner of Highbury and Ronberg Streets. There will be ‘away’ games scheduled throughout the season (e.g. Feilding, Ashhurst or Levin).

Fun Football runs to a 1-hour programme. The first 30 minutes are dedicated to the three activities of Movement, technique and coordination. The second 30 minutes are two small sided games.

Training will be coordinated by Michael Gaughan, Marist’s Director of Football. Michael needs the assistance of some coaches / parents  / older siblings. Training commences on Thursday 2nd May from 3.45pm – 4.45pm at Ongley Park, opposite the Train Station carpark.

Who takes the children on Saturdays?

Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body who will be overseen by a coordinator from Marist Junior Football Club. Expert coaching from Central Football should be offered during the course of the season.

What is Mini Football?

Mini Football is for players turning 9, 10, 11 or 12 years old (9th to 12th grade) in the year of play.

How does it work?

Your child is placed into a team following their registration and will be in this team for the season. A coach will be assigned/volunteer. They coach/manage this team for the duration of the season.

When do we play?

On a Saturday morning most games are held at Monrad Park, corner of Highbury and Ronberg Sts. There will be ‘away’ games several times throughout the season (e.g. Feilding, Ashhurst or Levin).

Who trains the kids?

Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body who will be overseen by a coordinator from Marist Junior Football Club. Expert coaching from Central Football should be run during the course of the season.

What about mid-week practices?

Once the coach is assigned to the team then the practices are arranged to suit the coach and/or the players. Most practices are held behind the Marist Clubrooms on Pascal St.

What is YouthFootball?

Youth Football is for players turning 13 years old and girls turning 14 years old (13th grade) in the year of play.

How does it work?

Your child is placed into a team following their registration and will be in this team for the season (unless change is required, in collaboration with the Grade Coordinator and Director of Football). A coach will be assigned/volunteer. They coach/manage this team for the duration of the season.

When do we play?

On a Saturday morning most games are held at Monrad Park, corner of Highbury and Ronberg Sts. There will be ‘away’ games several times throughout the season (e.g. Feilding, Ashhurst or Levin).

Who trains the kids?

Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body who will be overseen by a coordinator from Marist Junior Football Club. Expert coaching from Central Football should be run during the course of the season.

What about mid-week practices?

Once the coach is assigned to the team then the practices are arranged to suit the coach and/or the players. Most practices are held behind the Marist Clubrooms on Pascal St.