Skills Centre (Junior U9 - U12)

Overview:

The Skill Centre Program(SKC) is our premier NZ Football accredited training initiative designed for Junior grade players aged U9 - U12 (born between 2015 – 2012). This skill-focused program, open to both boys and girls, prioritises enjoyment while delivering structured training aimed at optimising player development and fostering a passion for football.

Term 4 2024 

Cost:  $70.00 inc gst per player

Session Timing:  

• Term 4 Skills Centre kicks off from Monday 4th November and will run for 6 weeks until Monday 9th November
• Mondays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm - Under 8 (U8) and Under 9 (U9) Mixed and Girls U8 and U9
• Mondays 5.45 pm - 6.45 pm Under 10 (U10), Under 11 (U11) Mixed and Girls U10 and U11

Term 4 Activities and Organisation:

• We have an exciting array of activities planned, your children will be rotated through a variety of fun activities and games that aim to continue to work on our 4R’s (Releasing, Receiving, Retaining and Running with the Ball).  

T4 Uniform and what to wear:

• Boots and Shin Pads are compulsory for every session.
• Footballers are encouraged to wear their favourite club shirt or a t-shirt and socks during or they may continue to wear their Blue SKC Shirt from the 2024 seasonif they prefer.
• Please email skc@buafc.org.nz if you're new to football this term and need boots as we have some available.

Some things to remember: 

• Please name all Clothing and drink bottles
• Please provide your child with Sun protection before they arrive (hats and sunscreen are highly recommended)
• Bring a Water bottle with cold water each week, as there is limited shelter on the fields.
• Boots and Shin Pads are compulsory for all footballers

For Parents' Comfort and Convenience:

• We kindly invite parents to enjoy the football magic from the comfort of the field edges during our session times. It's a great way to support your young athletes while giving them the space they need to shine on the field.  Please remain on the edges of the field as opposed to the middle of the field please.

2025 Season (Approx February - August 2025)

Grouping and Sessions:

• Players are grouped by age band (typically U9, 10, 11 & 12).  In 2024, each age band will have two sessions per week on specified days for Terms 1 – 3, and then 1 day in Term 4.

Registration:

• U12 Grade: Registration closes on February 5th, 2025.
• U9-11 Grades: Registration closes on February 12th, 2025.
• Registrations received after this date will be at the discretion of the Skills Centre Coaching Staff.

Location and Contingencies:

• Sessions are expected to be held at Shepherds Park. Alternative venues will be communicated in case the park is unavailable, with updates posted on the club Facebook page or Skills Centre Programme Facebook Group.  Rain or shine, our commitment is to conduct all sessions unless there is a health and safety issue due to the weather.

Player Expectations:

While accommodating players at this level is a priority, there are limitations to the number of teams the Club can support and the players per Skill Centre-based team for 2024.

To be considered for a Skill Centre-based team, players must commit to:

• Attending training twice per week (exceptions allowed with coach agreement or due to illness/injury)
• Availability for both training and Saturday games, during the season (T2 and 3)
• Payment of an additional Skills Centre fee for the full 2025 Skill Centre season (in addition to the regular membership fee) - Prices TBC for 2025

Uniform and what to wear:

• Boots and Shin Pads are compulsory for every session
• Black Birkenhead United AFC Uniform shorts
• Red Birkenhead United AFC Knee High Socks
• Players will be provided a Training Shirt to wear to training
• Playing shirts for Saturday games will be issued for Term 2 and 3 and should be returned to the coach at the end of Term 3

Some things to remember: 

• Please name all Clothing and drink bottles
• On sunny days, please provide your child with Sun protection before they arrive (hats and sunscreen are highly recommended)
• Bring a Water bottle with cold water each week, as there are no water fountains at Shepherds Park
• Boots and Shin Pads are compulsory for all footballers
• Please report absences to kylie@buafc.org.nz

SKC 2025 Programme Schedule: To Be Confirmed 

• Please note that the Term 4 programme is run as a separate programme and will be an additional cost for all players who register for this.

Session Times: To Be Confirmed early 2025

Back on the Grass!

See what some of our overseas friends have to say about the SKC