Q. My child wants to play football, but I don’t know where to start.
Well hopefully, some of your questions may be answered on this page, but if not we encourage people to call or email the club to seek further assistance.
Q. My child is only seven years old but is extremely keen to take up football.
As long as your child is turning eight in the year they are playing then they can start playing Junior Football. We also encourage young players to join Auskick where essential football skills are developed. Even after attaining eight years of age and joining junior football at Under 8’s, we still believe children should keep up their Auskick because of the exceptional program it provides in football skills development.
On the other hand, you need to be careful that holding back your child from playing junior football in preference to Auskick could result in the player being placed in an age group that might be too much for their skill set. For example, holding them back until they are nine or ten years of age will see them placed in Under 10s or Under 11s first up and it may take a little while for them to catch up with the others in the team. It’s a fine balance.
Q. My daughter wants to play football.
Fantastic! In 2016 we had our first Girls team with 23 kids joining our U12 team. In 2023 we have 2 Girls teams and are looking to build from there. Please email Secretary for more information at secretary@teamplestowejfc.com.au
Q. How much does it cost to join?
Like all sports activities, there are some costs involved. Our registration page sets out the latest registration/match fees payable.
Q. I can’t see the point in them doing both Auskick and junior football.
Both activities complement each other. We have quite a number of children who play in the Under 8’s and 9’s but still come down to Auskick each week. You could call it an extra training session and it builds a fantastic team spirit between the kids at Auskick and Templestowe Junior FC.
Q. What about jumpers and other gear?
The club provides all their players with jumpers at the beginning of the season which are to be returned at the end of the year. To allow plenty of time for preparation of team kits, children need to be measured up for a jumper about two or three weeks prior to the commencement of the season.
Shorts and socks are available for purchase from the club at a moderate cost.
Limited quantities of second hand football boots are available and you may be lucky enough to find just the right size. These football boots are donated by members of the club after each season. But you have to be quick! At the Under 8’s & 9’s level, there isn’t any need to buy the highest quality football boots available. A good sturdy boot is all that is needed.
Mouth guards are compulsory in every age group therefore we arrange a day at the club for fittings and purchase with The Mouthguard Man.
Q. When do the kids play?
Junior football in the Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) is played on Sundays. Usually, U8’s and U9’s (formerly Tackers) play their matches around 8.30am with the other teams staggered throughout the day. The older age groups, therefore, play later in the afternoon. Players should be at the grounds 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the game to warm up and receive last minute instructions from their coaches.
Training times varying depending on the teams. Details of training times can be found on the website under ‘Our Club-Trianing’. Mums and Dads are encouraged to watch their kids train and assist in the drills.
Q. I’m concerned about injuries on the field?
No-one likes to see football players injured irrespective of age. That’s why skills development and training is so important. Proper skills development can help in the prevention of injury.
U8’s and U9’s match rules are modified to minimise risk.
There is no tackling in U8’s or 9’s, nor is kicking the ball off the ground permitted until Under 11’s. Experienced coaching personnel and umpires keep a close watch on the game to ensure that unduly rough play is controlled and managed. It is rare to have serious injuries occur in very young age groups.
For U10s the following ‘Modified Tackle’ rule applies: a player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. The tackle may be from either side or from behind, providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward player with the ball (i.e. push the player in the back). Bumping is not allowed.
There will also be a reduced numbers of players on the field for U8s (12 player on field) and U9s (15 players). Oval sizes will be smaller. There is no scoring, ladder or finals for these age groups.
Q. I’d like to help out around the club – who do I approach?
There are many jobs on match days where you can be invaluable. Goal umpires, boundary umpires, runners, timekeepers, scorers and trainers (medics) are always eagerly sought. Even bringing along the three quarter time oranges/snakes is a great help. Simply ask your team manager and before you know it, you’ll have a white coat and two sticks to wave! Next year, you may want to be a team manager /coach/assistant coach– just ask one of the committee members who can generally be found loitering around the pavilion on training/game days.
We’re also keen to have parents help out on the organising committee. Templestowe is a family run club managed by the parents of the players. This is your club and you have every right to have a say in how it runs.
Q. When does the season start?
Most seasons start around April each year (April 23rd in 2023), however, this will always be subject to the condition and availability of venues. There will be 14 rounds played in the 2023 season plus a finals series.
Q. What about the social side of things?
There are various social activities throughout the year. We are a FAMILY orientated club, once your son or daughter registers as a member, the whole family can participate in the club social events. A popular activity are Social Nights which are held on selected Sunday evenings from 6:00pm. ALL family members are welcome, it’s a family night but aimed at the kids. Drinks (soft drinks, spirits, beer and wine) are available at reasonable prices. It’s a great way to meet new friends.
Throughout the year, activities are organised that cater for kids and parents alike – it’s a great way to meet people and develop friendships that last for years based on common interests– our kids. We also hold a major fundraiser once a year where the adults get to come out to play and have a fantastic night supporting the club.
Contact Us: If you have any questions or would like to make an enquiry please feel free to contact: secretary@templestowejfc.com.au
