THAMES VALLEY JUNIOR DRAWS

Under 8 ​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​First game for the season is Saturday, 10 May.

There is no football on Kings Birthday, Matariki weekend, or the middle and last weekend of the school holidays. The last game for the season is August 23rd, 2025.

First Kicks festivals are 7 June, 2 August, 30 August - all U8 teams are invited to participate.

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U8 Match Day Format

  • Eastside: 45-60 minutes of activities and games. 5v5 optimal playing format. A club/school's U6 and U8 players will play at the same venue. The draw only shows the club/school’s name, so clubs/schools will know if they are hosting or travelling. Once at the venue games will then be organised (recommended clubs/school’s contact each other prior to the weekend to get a gauge on player numbers). 


  • Westside: Teams will play a 40-minute game each week. 5v5 optimal playing format. 


Fun Football Under 8- Key Points

5v5 with no goalkeepers

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
  • 40 minutes maximum game time 
  • No goalkeepers
  • No offside rule
  • No corners
  • Ball kicked/dribbled back into play (No throw-ins)
  • No published match results or ladders
  • Both coaches can be on field during the game (only one can referee)

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

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

Thank you for supporting the growth and development of football.

To toggle between the U8 Eastside and U8 Westside draws use the little drop down arrow to the far right of the competition name.

Field Information:

Hauraki Plains Junior Soccer Club - Hugh Hayward Domain, Ngatea 3503

Mercury Bay Football Club - Moewai Park Rd, Whitianga 3510

Paeroa Football Club - Paeroa Domain, Cnr Willoughby and Arney Street (Hwy 26)

Tairua Football Club - Tairua School, 110 Main Rd, Tairua 3508 & Cory Park Domain, 2 - 14 Tokoroa Rd, Tairua 3508. 

Te Aroha Cobras Junior AFC, Boyd Park, Stanley Ave, Te Aroha 3320.

Te Rerenga School - Kuaotunu Domain, Kuaotunu 3592

Thames Junior Football Club - Rhodes Park, Thames 3500

Whangamata Junior Football Club - Whangamata Area School, Port Rd, Whangamata 3620

Whenuakite Soccer Club - Whenuakite School, 1055 New Zealand State Highway 25, Whenuakite 3591