9th Grade Festival of Football

Once your team has been registered and your payment received, your place is confirmed.

Clubs may enter more than one team.

Teams can be withdrawn up until 23 August with a full refund less a $50 fee.

If the tournament is cancelled due to Covid-19, full refunds will be given.

All players must be registered with the club they are representing.

No guest players (i.e. players who have played for other clubs during 2023) will be permitted.

Boys/Mixed Teams

All players must be born between 1 Jan 2014 and 31 Dec 2015. This allows teams to supplement their under 9 squads with under 8 players from the same club or enter under 8 teams.

Girls Teams

We will allow entry from team in both the U9 & U9/U10 combined competitions.

Each squad will be allowed a maximum of 12 players.

7 v 7 including keepers.

Pitch size 55m x 33m approx, Goals 4m x 2m.

Size 4 balls. Each team will be provided with one match ball.

Matches will be 27 minutes with no half-time.

We are planning on running three divisions of twelve teams. There will be two divisions in the boys/mixed grade and one division in the girls grade.

Each division will be divided into two groups of six teams.

Ultimately the tournament format will be determined by the number of teams that register.

Day One

Each team will have three round-robin games

Day Two

Each team will have two round-robin games and a cross-over final game against a team from the other group

Rolling substitutes are allowed.

• Substitutions may only occur during a stoppage in play with prior approval from the referee.

• Substitutes must enter and exit the field from the halfway line.

• All coaches must notify the referee before making a substitution.

Each team must have a home strip and a set of bibs. Numbered shirts are not required.

Where there is a colour clash the away team must wear bibs.

Referees will submit a result card following every match.

All draws will be available on SPORTSRUNNER through the Auckland United website.

Auckland United will supply referees to control every match.

There will be no manager’s meeting for this event.

Please remove boots before entering the clubhouse. Teams should expect to base themselves outside the clubhouse as there isn’t room for everyone inside. The tournament headquarters will be in the boardroom in the clubhouse.

Teams are welcome to pitch tents or gazebos on the No. 2 pitch directly behind the clubhouse. We will provide overnight security on Saturday night for this area.

In clubhouse TBA. Food trucks TBA

There is ample parking in two locations bordering Keith Hay Park. Parking areas are at the ends of Arundel St and Rainford St.

Players, coaches, officials and supporters must behave with respect at all times. Referees may require any misbehaving subs, team officials and spectators to move away from the playing area.

In the event of persistent foul play or other unacceptable behaviour, the referee may require the offending player to be substituted for the rest of the match. There will be no sanction following that substitution.