Fun Football (U8 - U9)

Learning through fun, games and lots of time on the ball.

Fun Football is designed especially for 8–9 year olds (the age they turn during the season). At this stage, children are energetic, curious and love being active — so our sessions focus on enjoyment, confidence and building skills in a supportive environment.

What your child can expect

• Small-sided games with plenty of touches on the ball

• Fun, engaging activities that build skills naturally

• A focus on movement, coordination and confidence

• Coaches who create a positive and encouraging environment

• Equal opportunities for all players to participate and develop

We don’t grade teams at this level. Our focus is on skill development, teamwork and helping every child enjoy their football experience.

New Format for 2026

In line with the New Zealand Football Whole of Football 2.0 framework, junior football formats are changing nationwide in 2026 to better support player development.

What this means for us:

• U7 players will now move into the First Kicks programme.

• U8 and U9 players will play 5v5 football, including goalkeepers.

• Games will use 4m x 2m goals.

• Teams will have up to 7 players to allow for rotations and equal game time.

• U8 and U9 leagues are administered by the club, with games played at Shepherds Park.

These small-sided formats mean:

• More involvement for every player

• More touches on the ball

• More decision-making opportunities

• Faster development of skills and game understanding

2026 Season Details

U8 Grade

• Training: Tuesday, 4.30pm – 5.30pm

• Games: Saturday, 8.30am – 9.30am

U9 Grade

• Training: Wednesday, 4.30 – 5.30pm

• Games: Friday, 4.30pm – 6.30pm (at Shepherds Park)

At this age, football is about developing a love of the game. We prioritise participation, development and enjoyment - helping every child build confidence and skills while having plenty of fun along the way.

Games in the school holidays
There is NO PLAY at Easter weekend and in the “middle weekend” of the school holidays.

If it’s raining
Birkenhead United makes the decision to cancel the First Kicks & Fun Football grades and it is posted on the homepage and our club Facebook page at 7:30am.  Each coach is also notified so you should receive a message from your team coach. In some cases the Council may close Shepherds Park on Friday, in this case you are normally contacted Friday night from your team coach. Unless you hear otherwise you can assume the game is still on.

How to best support your child and their team
The best way to help your child is to

• be positive, encourage them to do their very best
• have them attend practices and be on time
• plenty of warm clothing (gloves on small cold hands for the early morning starts save a lot of tears)
• plastic rubbish bags to sit muddy children on in your car on the way home
• a drink for half time and after the game

Coaching or Managing a Team
Birkenhead United has been going through a sustained period of growth over the last few years. The biggest strain that this puts on us is in the area of finding enough coaches or managers and once we have done that, ensuring that they are adequately prepared. Some of our coaches/managers are parents who may never have played soccer before. To support these dedicated volunteers, we do and will continue to run, both in-house and external coaching courses. Our Director of Coaching, Paul Hobson is available to support and resource coaches. If you are a parent or past player who has flirted with the idea of coaching a team – please give it a try!