Our Junior football programme is part of a coordinated national approach to the development of junior players. Its main aim is to provide all junior players with high quality football experiences that increase both skill levels and the passion for playing football.
Small-sided games are the focus for our Junior players. Children get more enjoyment and learn more from playing in small-sided games with simplified rules. They’re more involved and get to touch the ball more often.
Our Small Whites Programme is split into 2 age categories:
First Kicks is a weekly programme that operates during Term 2 and Term 3 of the school year. It is held at the Pukekohe A&P Showgrounds on a Saturday morning between 9am – 10am. It is run by Pukekohe AFC but includes three other local clubs; Drury Football Club, Waiau Pa Football Club and Tuakau Football Club.
It operates on a POD structure. Players are placed in a POD based on their age, with between 24-30 children in each POD. There are 5 – 6 PODs each year depending on the number of players enrolled in this section. They will stay in this POD for the First Kicks season.
The sessions are run by volunteer coaches and parents operating within the play guidelines of New Zealand Football and Northern Regional Football.
The session is divided into 10-minute slots – a 10-minute warm-up, 4 x 10-minute skill-based sessions and finishes up with a 10-minute game.
Players are provided with a POD t-shirt to wear for the season but are required to supply their own shorts, boots and socks. These uniform items can be purchased at Stirling Sports in Pukekohe. The Club also has some second-hand boots on sale down at the showgrounds each week.
Club photos are held each year as a fundraiser for the Club. Photos are taken at Massey Hall at the Pukekohe Showgrounds early in the season where Pukekohe players have their photo taken with their POD and coaches. These photos can then be purchased and are distributed at prizegiving, at the end of the season.
First Kicks fees for 2025 are $100
Small Whites - Fun Football (7-8yrs)
Fun Football is a weekly programme that operates alongside First Kicks during Term 2 and Term 3 of the school year. It is held in the Pukekohe Showgrounds on a Saturday morning between 9am – 10am. It is run by Pukekohe AFC but includes three other local clubs; Drury Football Club, Waiau Pa Football Club and Tuakau Football Club.
Fun Football introduces players to the concept of team play. Players are placed in teams of 8 players, with games being 5 a-side. Each team is coached and managed by volunteers, supported by the Club.
The teams play an in-house round robin session with 2 games each Saturday morning. Players are provided with a Fun Football t-shirt to wear for the season but are required to supply their own shorts, boots, and socks. These uniform items can be purchased at Stirling Sport in Pukekohe. The Club also has some second-hand boots on sale down at the showgrounds each week.
The Club holds an information evening prior to the season starting, where players are placed in their teams and get the opportunity to meet their coach and manager. Some Fun Football teams may train during the season, this is discussed between the coach and the team at the information evening.
Club photos are held each year as a fundraiser for the Club. Photos are taken at the Clubrooms early in the season where Pukekohe players have their photo taken with their team, coach, and manager. These photos can then be purchased and are distributed at prizegiving, at the end of the season.
