First Kicks (4th - 7th Grades)

First Kicks: 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Grades

First Kicks is a fun, family-based introduction to football. Children who are turning 4, 5, 6 or 7 this year are placed into small teams, spending time on skills and drills followed by a small games against other Waipuna First Kicks teams on Saturday mornings.

The skills and drills session ensures all children have contact with the ball while learning age-appropriate ball skills, following exercises provided by WaiBOP and aligned with the Whole of Football Plan, which is implemented nationwide. Matches involve small teams playing each other, helping children learn to pass and share time on the ball.

Please note: all First Kicks games are held at Waipuna Park every Saturday morning throughout the winter season (excluding public or school holidays). These teams start one week later than the junior and youth teams.

Parental / Whānau Support

Waipuna Football Club proudly keeps its fees among the lowest in the Bay of Plenty so every child has the chance to play. We can only do this with the support of our amazing parents, whānau, and community.

Our teams rely entirely on volunteers – parents, caregivers, and older siblings – to coach, manage, referee, and support teams each week. Without this support, teams simply cannot train or take the field.

You do not need prior experience, just a willingness to help. Whether you can coach, manage, referee, or lend a hand at events, every contribution makes a real difference and directly helps keep fees affordable for all families.

Get involved: Indicate your interest when registering your child, or email us at firstkicks@waipunafc.co.nz. Together, we can keep kids playing, smiling, and loving football.

Playing Times:

Grades 4–6: 8:30am – 9:30am
Grade 7: 9:30am – 10:30am

Uniform:

Each player will be issued a Waipuna playing shirt.
Black shorts and long black socks.
Shin pads are compulsory.
Children must wear football boots or sneakers. No bare feet or metal studs on boots are allowed.
The club provides a team bag with a first aid kit and some balls.

Fees:

Waipuna First Kicks fees are $80 per child. Waipuna FC is pleased to offer families a 10% discount on the youngest child when registering two or more children from the same family.

Waipuna FC aims to keep fees affordable while covering the essential costs of running a safe and fun football season. Season fees include:

Training Sessions: Age-appropriate coaching that develops ball skills, teamwork, and game understanding. All coaches have access to up-to-date coaching resources and guidance from our Head of Coaching & Player Development person.
Game Time: Matches against other teams, including home and away fixtures, giving every child a chance to play and learn. A lot of work goes into managing our playing surfaces and we take pride in the best grounds in Tauranga!
Equipment and Uniform: Access to balls, goals, cones, and other training equipment provided by the club. A First Kicks shirt to each player.
End-of-Season Prizegiving: Recognition of participation and effort, with giveaways and fun awards.
Special Events: Club events throughout the season to encourage social engagement and fun for all players and their families.
Administration and Fees: Covering club costs such as WaiBOP and Tauranga City Council fees, insurance, and maintaining the facilities at Waipuna Park.
Support and Community: Contribution toward programs such as the Assistance Fund, which can help families with financial, transport, or uniform needs.

By paying season fees, families help support the club, its volunteers, and the overall football community, ensuring every player has a safe, enjoyable, and well-organised season.

Assistance Fund – Waipuna FC is committed to making football accessible for all families. We offer payment plans and have a limited Assistance Fund available. If your family is facing challenges with finances, transport, or uniform items, we can help! Please email us at treasurer@waipunafc.co.nz to discuss financial support or admin@waipunafc.co.nz to discuss other support options.

Coaches:

Coaches will be sent a run sheet prior to each week’s games so they know exactly what they are to do on game day.

First Kicks (4th – 7th Grades)