Be sure to check out our Manurewa AFC Small Whites Facebook page to keep up with the latest news and discussions.

Small Whites Contacts: 

• Small Whites Co-ordinator (4-8yrs): juniors@manurewaafc.onmicrosoft.com

Term Dates:

• Term 2: 3rd May to 28th June
• Term 3: 19th July to 6th September

Fees for 2025 Season - $60

All fees due by 1st May 2025 unless prior arrangements have been made with Club Manager.

Program Details:

The Small Whites Program at Manurewa AFC is designed to introduce young players to football in a fun, engaging, and structured environment. Our focus is on developing fundamental skills, teamwork, and a love for the game. Below is all the information you need regarding training and match days.

Location:

• Wednesday Training: War Memorial Park, Manurewa (Cricket Indoor Facility)
  Start Date: 7th May (no sessions on public or school holidays)
  End Date:  3rd September

• Saturday Matches: War Memorial Park, Manurewa (Outdoor at our home ground)
  Start Date: 3rd May (no games 31st May and 21st June and school holidays)
  End Date:  6th September

Ages 4-6: Football activities focused on fun and engagement.

Ages 7-8: More structured football sessions to prepare for the next level.

Schedule:

Training – Wednesdays (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

• Players are divided into age groups (4-6 and 7-8).
• Training follows a rotational station system to maximize skill development.
• Each session consists of four 15-minute stations focusing on key aspects of football:

1. Game-Based Activity (15 min) – Small-sided games to encourage play.
2. Ball Skills (15 min) – Dribbling, ball control, and coordination exercises.
3. Fun Game (15 min) – Engaging challenges that reinforce key skills.
4. Passing (15 min) – Emphasizing accuracy, movement, and teamwork.

Note: Every 3 weeks, we will focus on new football fundamentals such as shooting, defending, or advanced dribbling techniques to ensure continuous development.

Match Days – Saturdays (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

• 8:00 – 8:30 AM: Field setup (parents and coaches are encouraged to help).
• 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Football Fundamentals (Ages 7-8) – Before the match, players will focus on core skills such as:
  
  • Passing and receiving
  • Shooting techniques
  • Dribbling and ball control
  • Defensive positioning and awareness

The following skills are taught through drills, small games, and practical activities to ensure players develop the key fundamentals needed for the match.

• 9:00 – 9:30 AM: Match – In-house matches for Ages 7-8. One team will wear bibs, and the other will wear non-bibs for easy identification.

Ages 4-6: Fun football activities followed by small-sided games.

• Fields are marked out from 1 to 10 to organize teams effectively.

9:30 AM: Pack up and return all gear to the club cage.

Game Rules & Guidelines:

✔ Focus on fun and development – no pressure, just enjoyment.

✔ All players get equal playing time.

✔ Small-sided games (3v3 or 4v4) to maximize ball touches and learning.

✔ Encourage positive behaviour , teamwork, and sportsmanship.

✔ No referees – coaches will guide and encourage fair play.

✔ Throw-ins replaced with kick-ins to keep the game flowing.

✔ Goal kicks allowed, with opponents retreating to halfway for goal kicks.

What to Bring:

✔ Football boots (no sneakers)

✔ Shin pads (mandatory for safety)

✔ Water bottle

✔ Weather-appropriate clothing

Volunteers & Parental Involvement:

We encourage parents to get involved by:

✔ Helping with setup and pack-down on match days.

✔ Assisting coaches in running activities (no experience needed!).

✔ Supporting players with positive encouragement from the sidelines.