06/09/2026
⚽ 9th Grade Fun Football – What a first season!
As we wrapped up the season, it’s a great opportunity to look back on what has been a fantastic first year of 9th Grade Fun Football for our club.
This season, three teams took part – the Collingwood Assassins, Takaka Roosters, and Takaka Tornadoes - with the Tornadoes also becoming our first all-girls team at this age level.
Under NZ Football’s new Football 2.0 framework, Fun Football is the next step on from First Kicks. The small-sided 5v5 format gives kids more time on the ball and more opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game, while keeping the focus on what matters most at this age – having fun and enjoying football!
Previously, our 9th Grade players competed in a 7-a-side competition. As part of the new Football 2.0 this wasn’t offered by Nelson Bays Football this year, so we had to create our own in-house programme – and what a great first season it has been!
Every three weeks, the kids had the opportunity to travel over the hill to Saxton Field and play against teams from across Tasman. They absolutely embraced these trips and often seemed to save some of their best football for them! Playing against new opposition was a great challenge and helped build their skills and confidence throughout the season. Thank you to Nelson Suburbs Football Club for welcoming us!
Another highlight was our Interclub Days, when our three Golden Bay teams came together every three weeks for some fun and friendly competition. The sportsmanship and encouragement between the teams was fantastic to see.
When we weren’t travelling or holding an Interclub Day, we had our home training sessions, with plenty of fun, game-based activities – and, of course, the Parents vs Kids games, which provided lots of laughs and friendly rivalry!
While the weather certainly wasn’t on our side for several games, the commitment and enthusiasm from the kids was awesome to see. Whenever we managed to get onto the field, they made the most of it.
It has been really rewarding to see how much the players have progressed since coming from First Kicks. Their confidence on the ball, decision-making and understanding of the game have all improved. Even better has been watching them develop as teammates – communicating, supporting one another and learning that football is about playing together.
A huge thank you to all our parents for getting the kids to games, making the trips over the hill, cheering from the sidelines and getting involved throughout the season.
And, of course, a massive thank you to Felicia Schroder, our amazing Fun Football Coordinator, our coaches – Paul (Roosters), Jess and Felicia (Tornadoes), and Clay (Assassins) – along with our team management, for all the time and effort that went into making this new format work for our kids.
For our first season of Fun Football, we couldn’t be prouder of how the kids embraced it. They’ve developed their football, grown in confidence, made some great memories and, most importantly, had plenty of fun along the way.
Finally, a special shout-out to Laser Electrical Golden Bay and OnTheSpot for supporting and sponsoring Little Kicks and Fun Football. The future is bright, and your support means so much to our club and our young players.
What a great first season! 💙💛⚽
