Fun Football (Ages 7 and 8)

Fun football is aimed at 7 – 8 year olds with or without any previous experience.  At this age the focus is on enjoying football and “mastering the ball”.

Registration

The 2016 season starts 2nd April 2016 and will finish at the end of August 2016.

Registrations will be accepted throughout the season.

You can register here for our Fun football

Training Sessions

We train every Thursday evening at 4:30pm at the Spreydon Domain.

Training sessions are based on the NZ Football Junior framework.  Using this framework, the training sessions try to give the players at much time with ball as possible.  Training sessions start with groups of players rotating through different stations that cover:

• General movement
• Football coordination
• Football technique

Training sessions conclude with short small sided games.  (Note the rules of these games will generally follow the rules outlined below, but may vary depending on the small sided game variant being played.)

Saturday Games

Saturday games are held at Spreydon Domain at 10:30am.  These games will vary each weekend – with a different set of small sided or skill based games.

Player equipment

Shorts and boots are suggested, and shin pads are compulsory.  A team shirt will be provided.

Players should bring a drink, and snacks (if required).

Play may continue in wet and cold conditions so players may wear thermals, woollen hats etc to keep warm.

Note:  The club organises for Soccer Direct to attend different events during the season.  They provide shorts, socks, boots etc at reasonable prices and will usually trade-in boots in good condition.

Cancellations and absences

Training sessions and games may be cancelled due to weather conditions or CCC ground closures.  Players will be informed of cancellations via text and/or email.

Players are encouraged to inform coaches of absences for Saturday games.

Player conduct

Fair play is encouraged by Christchurch United at all age groups.  Please see the player conduct page for details.

Spectator Conduct

Spectators are expected to provide an example to junior players.

• They should praise good play by ALL players
• They should not:
  • enter the field of play (unless requested by a coach)
  • argue with coaches or opposition spectators
  • criticise “poor” play

If concerns or issues arise, spectators should inform the relevant coach or the Junior Convenor after the game.   They will pass issues on to the appropriate club official.

Feedback

Feedback (positive or negative) on the Fun Football program is encouraged as this will help us provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the players.  If you have comments please pass these on to the relevant coach or the Junior Convenor.

Parental/Care Giver Responsibilities

Parents and caregivers are normally expected to be present for training sessions and games.  If this is not possible, the relevant coach should be informed and agree prior to the absence of parent or care-giver at each session.

Assistance

The Fun football program, like the whole of Christchurch United, is run by volunteers.  If you are able to help in any way it is greatly appreciated – this may even be as simple of helping to retrieve equipment after training sessions/games.

Fun Football Calendar

Unless noted differently in the table below

• Training sessions will be each Thursday at the Spreydon Domain, 4:30-5:30pm.
• Saturday are at the Spreydon Domain, 10:30-c. 11:30am:

Rules for small sided games

• There are 3 to 5 players per side
• No goal keepers are permitted, and players may not stand in the goals.

• Free kicks will be awarded for:
  • Hand ball
  • Foul play – players must play the ball, and may not tackle from behind at any time.

• When a ball is put out of play over the:
  • side line – opposite team passes or dribble the ball in from side line (there are no throw ins)
  • goal line by defending team – the attacking team passes the ball in from the corner
  • goal line by the attacking team – the defending team passes or dribbles in the ball from the goal line.

• The opposition team must retreat at least 2m from the position from which the ball is to be passed in.
• After a goal the scoring team must retreat over half way or touch own goal (depending on rules being played).
• There is no off-side rule.
• Duration of games will vary from 10-20 minutes, and will be set by coaches prior to the game commencing.