​​​​​​​McDonald’s Junior Football aims to provide all children aged 4-12 years with high quality Football and Futsal experiences that increase passion for the game, fundamental movement and playing skills. All whilst having fun!

Through McDonald’s Junior Football, players will experience age appropriate games and coaching in a programme that is specifically tailored to meet their wants and needs.

Providing standardised playing formats, clear outcomes and training recommendations for each stage of a player’s development, the importance of the McDonald’s Junior Football cannot be underestimated.  It will ensure the experience provided at the grassroots leaves Kiwi kids enthused, technically competent and in love with sport.

Three programmes are offered:

• McDonald’s First Kicks (4-6 Years)
• McDonald’s Fun Football & Futsal (7-8 Years)
• McDonald’s Mini Football & Futsal (9-12 Years)

To view these programmes in detail and for further info please visit the website here -  https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/juniors

​​​​​​​Your single best indicator of success as a Junior coach is how much your players enjoy coming to practice and playing games so make training full of fun and your job as a Coach will be so much more fulfilling!

Resources

• Coaches Handbook
• Junior Football Games & Activities
• Coaches Game Cards
• Additional Game Cards
• Coaching Videos
• Skills Centre
• Fit4Football 11+ Kids Warm Up
• Retreating Line Guide
• Team Formation and Grading Guide
• Junior Framework
• McDonald's Junior Football Review (2018)

Additional Resources

CoachMate App

Saying 'Yes' to coaching football has never been easier.

New Zealand Football, in partnership with McDonald's, has joined the CoachMate app to empower coaches and volunteers with the confidence and expertise needed to provide exceptional football experiences for children consistently.

Coaches now have access to tailored curricula suitable for their players' age and development stage, precisely when it's required. Practice sessions become effortless with straightforward video tutorials and personalized plans designed to engage children. Additionally, coaches can streamline communication through team management and chat features.

More info here

NZF Learn

NZF Learn is an online learning platform that will be the home for Coach and Referee Education for football in New Zealand.

More info here

Sporty App

Please install the Sporty mobile app on your phone.  The club will be using the app to send out comms to all coaches during the season.  A link to the setup instructions is below:

Setup Instructions

More info here

NRF Junior Handbook

This handbook is designed to guide all parents, caregivers and everyone involved with junior football to help you deliver the McDonald’s Junior Framework, with key details on how junior football operates within Northern Region Football.

Download here

Keep Up With The Play - https://keepupwiththeplay.org.nz/

Balance Is Better - https://balanceisbetter.org.nz/

Good Sports- https://aktive.org.nz/good-sports/

Be Sportive - http://besportive.kiwi/

Good Sports Guide for Coaches -  https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/63034257/good-sports-coaching-guide