OUR PHILOSOPHY

Cambridge Football Club is one of more than 100 schools and clubs affiliated to WAIBOP Football, one of six regional bodies governed by New Zealand Football. 

We aim to provide a positive football experience for boys and girls and offer a clear pathway for players from juniors through to youth and senior teams. 

The club provides plenty of opportunities during the season for players to grow their love of the game, develop their skills and to have a great time playing football with friends.

KEY DATES

WAIBOP Junior Season Calendar

TEAM PLACEMENT

Our club is guided by New Zealand Football's Junior Framework when placing children in teams.  The focus is on creating a positive environment where all children enjoy football and develop skills at their own pace.

We aim to place players in teams that suit their current abilities and needs.  Rather than concentrating the strongest players in one group — we aim to provide all kids with the opportunity to grow, learn, and have fun in a supportive environment that matches their current level of experience.    

The registration process allows for a request to play with friends and we aim to accommodate this where possible.  Please note, while we do our best, this is not always possible.  

Due to the complexity of placing over 650 junior players into teams we will not be able to move players around once team lists have been finalised except in “extraordinary” circumstances. 

Registrations for 2025 season close on 30th March 2025 

We aim to have teams lists finalised by April 2025

COACHES AND TRAINING

All of our junior team coaches are volunteers (usually parents).  Please consider volunteering to coach your child’s team this season.  It’s a hugely fulfilling role and experience is not needed - loads of support is given to our volunteer coaches!

Coaches will need to pass a police vetting.  This is done online.  We will also need to sight your identification as part of the process.

Teams train once a week at John Kerkhof Park.  The day and time will be decided by your volunteer coach.  You will receive more information on this once the teams have been finalised.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

In partnership with RH3 Academy, Cambridge Football offer year-round junior development programmes focused on skills acquisition.  These optional programmes complement the learning players receive in their Saturday team environment. 

More information about junior player development and holiday programmes can be found on the RH3 Football Academy website.

More advanced programmes are available from 12^th grade onwards through our Youth Programme offering a pathway to the TDP (Talent Development Programme) via our pre-Federation and Federation teams.

GAMES AND CANCELLATIONS

Games for 7^th Grade and up are played across the wider Waikato region with both home and away fixtures.  All games are played on a Saturday morning with kick-off typically between 8:30 and 11am.

The draw will be posted on the WAIBOP football website                             

Cancellations can be found on the same website and are usually updated by 7am on game day.

REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN

Registration fees for 2025 are $140 for Juniors.

VOLUNTEERING

The junior club is run by a fantastic group of passionate volunteers, who dedicate many hours to ensuring the smooth running of the junior and youth programmes.  Every year we ask parents to help support the club by volunteering to coach or manage a team or to help out by referring or doing an occasional shift in the chip shop. 

There will be an opportunity to offer assistance when you complete the registration process.