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.
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: Term 1 Registration closes on February 5th, 2024.
U9-11 Grades: Term 1 Registration closes on February 12th, 2024.
You can register here. 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 Program 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 $600 fee for the full 2024 Skill Centre season (in addition to the regular membership fee)
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 trainings
- 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
For Parents' Comfort and Convenience:
We kindly invite parents to enjoy watching trainings 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.
SKC 2024 Programme Schedule:
Term 1: 26th February Parents Information Meetings (U9 - 5.30pm, U10/11 - 6.30pm, U12 - 7.30pm)
Term 1: 6 weeks – Monday February 26th to Wednesday April 10th (Monday and Wednesday's)
Term 2: 10 weeks – Saturday April 27th to July 3rd (Monday, Wednesday & Saturday Games)
Term 3: 10 weeks – Monday July 22nd to September 27th (Monday, Wednesday & Saturday Games)
Term 4: 6 weeks – To Be Confirmed (Monday’s Only)
*Please note that the Term 4 programme in 2024 is run as a separate programme and will be an additional cost for all players who register for this.
Session Details:
Mixed and Girls - U9 and U10 (2015 & 2014): Mondays and Wednesdays
- Time: 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the session starts.
Mixed and Girls - U11 and U12 (2013 & 2012): Mondays and Wednesdays
- Time: 5.45 pm to 6.45 pm
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the session starts.
Goalkeeper Training - Wednesday only
- U9/10 - 4.15pm to 5.15pm
- U11/12 - 5.30pm to 6.30pm
See what some of our overseas friends have to say about the SKC
