MiniRoos FAQs
How old does my child have to be?
WPFC encourages the development of football skills at a young age and we accept players who have turned 4 years prior to 1 January of the relevant season to play in the U6 games. To play in an Under 6 team, a child must also not turn older than 6 in the calendar year of the relevant season. This age principle applies to all age groups in MiniRoos. Visit our Age Group page for more information.
How much does it cost and how do I register?
We pride ourselves, as a club, on maintaining membership fees that are fair, reasonable and in line with neighbouring clubs. Please refer our fees page for more information. Online registration commences in January via our registration page.
When does the season start.
Teams are finalised by March and training commences in mid-March. The season kicks-off on the first or second week of April and concludes toward end-August. The final day is usually a inter-club gala day with 2-3 shorter duration matches played across a 90 minute period.
Is training required?
Yes. Training is organised by the team coach. Each team trains individually based on availability of the coach/es, as well as ground locations and their available days. Teams usually train once per week for one hour, during the season. The coach will work with the clubs Training Grounds Coordinator, before the season commences, to secure a day and time for training, and they are responsible for confirming this to the parents and team managers.
What is the format of the games?
The MiniRoos program utilises the Small-Sided Football format. These are games with smaller numbers of children playing on smaller sized fields. This results in players being more involved as fewer players are sharing one ball in a smaller area. This approach is considered the best way for children to learn, play the game, and most importantly to have a lot of fun.
When are the games played?
Mixed teams (Girls and Boys) games played on Saturday mornings. Girls-only games are on Sunday mornings. Generally, the younger teams (Under 6) are played in the early morning from 8:30 AM. Older age groups can be as late midday, depending on the draw, which is available on the Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) website. The team manager is responsible for notifying all team members of the draw, ground, and game details, each week.
Where are the games played?
WPFC’s home grounds are Norman Griffiths Oval, Comenarra Field, or Mimosa Oval. MiniRoos games are rarely played at these locations. Home games are usually played West Pymble Public School, Auluba Oval (South Turramurra), or at other local venues. Away games can be at other grounds on the North Shore from North Sydney to Lindfield to Berowra. The NSFA website has a grounds locator and your team manager should provide grounds details as well.
What equipment is required?
The club provides/loans playing shirts to players, which must be returned at the end of the season. Players must provide their own boots, shin-pads, shorts and socks. For full information about required gear and purchasing information, click here.
How are the teams determined? Is there grading?
Please visit our Grading page for more information on MiniRoos grading and teams allocation. Under 6 and under 7 teams are not graded. U8 to U11 age groups will be fully graded, subject to there being sufficient player numbers to form more than one team.
Who coaches the teams?
Generally a parent or friend coaches the team. The club encourages all coaches to attend the free training courses run by the club. The club will financially support coaches who attend coaching courses run by NSFA, or other approved courses. The club supplies coaches with kit bags containing training bibs, cones, balls, goals, and hand sanitiser.
How are the teams managed?
Usually the team manager is a player parent. They are responsible for organising the team, ensuring all players and parents are aware of training and game locations and times. They assists in the club’s communications to players and parents.
The club hosts a manager’s meeting prior to season start, where all necessary information from the Club will be provided. Additionally managers are encouraged to arrange team social events during the season.
What are Age Group Coordinators?
These are people that have nominated, or been nominated, to manage the various age-groups within the club, during the season's registration and team formation period. They assist with team registration items, accommodating 'play with' friend requests, general enquiries, and for questions or issues outside of the coach/manager’s areas of responsibility.
What happens if it rains?
After wet weather, grounds may be closed at short notice and sometimes for several days, as determined by council rangers. Ground closures are notified by the NSFA on their website. They do their best to update their website by 3:15pm on weekdays and 7:45am on match days. Please be aware that some grounds may be closed at short notice after these times, if conditions worsen. Councils also have wet weather hotlines and website information.
How can I help?
Absolutely! The club depends on volunteers to ensure it operates and operates efficiently. At the 'team' level, we encourage you to note on your Play Football registration if you are interested in being a Coach, Manager, or other club Volunteer. There are no fees associated with these roles.