Rotorua Fun Football Playing Format 2026 - 8th Grade 

​​​​​​​Start times: 9am, 10.15am & 11:30am​​​​​​​

Each week, teams play two 20 min games against different opposition.. 

"Fun Football" for 8th Grade is played 5v5 with goalkeepers. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Fun Football 8th Grade - Key Points

Small-sided games with lots of touches are great for young players as they focus on fun and skill development.

The 5v5 format means more time on the ball, keeping kids involved.

Two shorter games against different teams keep them engaged (without to much focus on tactics, or big scorelines).

• 5v5 format
• Size 3 ball
• 40 minutes game time (2x20min games)
• Goalkeepers are introduced - pass or roll to restart play
• Retreating line rule for goalkeeper restarts - halfway
• No offsides
• Corner kicks are introduced
• Ball passed into play (No throw-ins) - opposition 5m away
• No published match results or ladders
• Coaching - encourage players positively. Let the players PLAY