​​​​​​​Start times: 9am​​​​​​​, 10:15am & 11:30am

Each team has 6 - 8 players (recommend 8). The morning consists of 2 skill activities of 8 mins each & 3 x 8-minute games against different opposition. After the skill activities split the team in two, players with bibs rotate clockwise one field, with coloured pod. Non-bib players remain on home field (all day).

​​​​​Puarenga Park First Kicks Pitch Map HERE.

Skill Activities: 9th May 2026

Activity 1: Add

Activity 2: Add

Example Activity Timeline 

• 09:00am – Assemble on your allocated field with your team and play Skill Activity 1 and Skill Activitiy 2.
• 09:20am – 1st hooter, Game 1 - players with bibs rotate clockwise one field, with coloured pod. Non-bib players remain on home field (all day).
• 09:30am – 2nd hooter, Game 2 - players with bibs rotate 1 more field & begin playing.
• 09:40am – 3rd hooter, Game 3 - players with bibs rotate 1 more field & begin playing.
• 09:50am – Final hooter sounds – players with bibs return to home field. Present ‘Player of the Day’ awards.

Key Points - First Kicks 

• 5 - 7 years old
• 3v3 format
• 3 x 8-minute games
• No goalkeepers
• No offside rule
• No throw-ins or corner kicks
• Ball kicked/dribbled back into play
• No published match results or ladders

Fun Games & Activities

The McDonalds Junior Football fun games/activities play a major part in each session. Please use them and support the development and enjoyment of our future footballers.

Our goal is to enthuse young players so that they fall in love with the sport and stay in it for life. These activities offer volunteer coaches with a variety of fun games, each focusing on a particular technical outcome. Every activity is an opportunity for young children to take part in fun, enjoyable football games that will develop them as players and people.

It is important to check that SMILES are evident in your sessions:

• S - Safe
• M - Maximum participation
• I - Inclusive
• L - Learning
• E - Enjoyable
• S - Successful

Thank you for supporting the growth and development of football.

ALL ABOUT FIRST KICKS

First Kicks Information Booklet 2026: Click HERE 

First Kicks National Playing Rules: Click HERE 

Introduction to Coaching Courses: Click HERE

Skill Activities 2026 Season: Click HERE

​​​​​​​Duty Club Day RUN Sheet: Click HERE

Examples of the weekly activities can be viewed on the NZF Coachmate app and/or on the website at 

NZF McDonald's Player Development Framework