Grade 12- 13
Age Group: 12/13 years
Born in: (2012 - 2014)
The focus for these grades is on continuing to develop their skills as part of a team playing in a safe and friendly environment.
Our 12th & 13th grade players play on Saturdays at clubs across the Western Bay of Plenty. They play 9v9 format.
We have two options for players in this age group
12th and 13th Grade Community teams
12th Grade Pre Academy teams
13th grade TDP Youth Teams
12th Grade & 13th Grade Important Dates/Contacts
Saturdays - 12th Grade & 13th Grade Community and Grade 12 Pre Academy teams
Teams play in the Western BOP leagues and travel throught the area to play against Clubs from Te Puke through to Katikati.
Sundays - 13th Grade TDP (Federation Youth League) see our TDP Page here
Teams play in the Waikato Bay of Plenty leagues and travel throught the area to play against Clubs from Tauranga, to Taupo through to Hamltion.
Training - 1-2 session per week
First day of season: 2nd May 2026
Final day of season: 29th August 2026
Location: All games for this age are played in house at Ferguuson Park
No Football on the following holiday 2026 dates: 30 May, 11 July, 18th July.
12th Grade Coordinator – Abi Bamforth I [email protected]
13th Grade Coordinator – Emma McCarthy I [email protected]
Grading is strictly based on the year of birth: (2026 Season) 2014 – 12th Grade | 2013 – 13th Grade
Format
Teams: Maximum of 12 players per team
Pitch: 1/2 of a full pitch with 5m x 2m goals
Format
9v9 games including Goalkeepers
2 x 27.5 minute halves with 2-3 minute half time
Goal kicks must be taken on the floor by passing out to a team mate
Throw-ins, free-kicks and penalties introduced
Offsides awarded as per FIFA rules
The ‘retreating line’ rules are in use. Learn more about the 'retreating line' watch the video or download the booklet
Coaches & Managers
Each team will need a coach & a manager. Also someone to help referee half of the game. The coach may also require help from the manager or another volunteer to help with the substitutions.
Every team will be provided with a kit bag at the start of the season which contains balls, cones and bibs. It is up to the team if they have training or not (1 training session per week is recommended) and there will be the opportunity to request training space at Fergusson Park for practices.
Coaches are encouraged to complete a Junior Coaching Course which will be held in the Fergusson Park Clubrooms and at no expense to the coach. These usually require you to attend just one session and will help you with ideas on how to help the kids develop. Team Coaches should encourage positive behaviours, and all players to perform different skills and roles within the team.
Organisation
The weekly draw will be made available on the Waibop website and App. This should be checked again on a Thursday or Friday before the game inacse of any last minute changes. If your team needs to default the game for any reason, please contact your grade coordinator as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be made for the opposing team.
Academy
Ready to take the next step in your football development? Our Pre-Academy and TDP programmes are designed for motivated players who want to challenge themselves, improve their skills and train in a more competitive environment. Sign up for the Term 1 ID Sessions to show your commitment, learn from our coaches and put yourself forward for selection in 2026.
Registrations and teams
Registrations open January through to the 23rd March. At the close of registrations, the grade coordinator will put the teams together based on requests as indicated on the registration form (they do their best, nothing is guaranteed). If you have a few friends wanting to play together, they will all have to indicate this on their registration.
Once all registrations are sorted into teams, the coordinator will email out team details (typically mid April for Community teams and Start of March for Pre Acadmey or TDP Teams). Each community team will require a volunteer coach, assistant coach, and manager. All teams are provided with a kit bag at the start of the season which contains size 4 balls, cones, and bibs.
It is at the team's discretion which day they want to practice during the week.
Parents and Supporters
Should watch games from a few metres behind the outline. Provide encouragement to all players but leave specific football comments to the coach.Those interested in playing an active role supporting the players could:
Manage a team working with the coach
Coach a team for one training and one game per week
Enrol on a Community Referee (CR) course so they can referee games.
Run the line as an Assistant Referee.
Get in touch
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