13th Grade (Born 2012)
The focus for these grades is on developing their skills as part of a team playing in a safe and friendly environment that provides appropriate levels of competition to aid player development. They play 11v11 format.
At this age group there are several options.
- Option 1. U13 Federation: Aspiring and Competitive players can attend our federation Youth Selections and if selected will be play in the Waibop Football Federation Youth Leagues. They will play against other clubs throughout the Waibop Region.
- Option 2. 13th Grade Community Football: Players either not selected in the Federation Youth team or players who would like to play Saturday football can do so and can play in our 13th Grade teams. These teams will play in the Western BOP leagues and travel throught the area to play against Clubs from Te Puke through to Katikati.
(For other player pathways, please see the information on our teams page)
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U13 Federation
13th Grade Federation - Sunday Games
Training - 2+ sessions per week
First Game: 27th April 2025
Final Game: 7th September 2025
No Football on the following holiday 2025 dates: 19 April, 26 April, 31 May, 21 June, 5 July
Federation Coordinator – federation@otumoetaifootball.co.nz
Grading is strictly based on the year of birth: (2025 Season) 2012 - 13th Grade
Selection Information
We will be holding selections this year at Fergusson Park. To register for this you can follow this link below. (this is a free product and players will be invoiced upon successful selection)
We will be hosting an information night for anybody that wants to hear more about what we offer and a Q&A. This will take place on Tuesday 4th February 5:30pm at Fergusson Park clubrooms.
Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February.
# of weeks: 3 weeks
Venue: Fergusson Park
Who: Players born between 2012 and 2009.
Days: Tuesdays 11, 18, 25th and Thursday 13, 20, 27th February.
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13th Grade Community Football
13th Grade - Saturday Games
Training - 1 session per week
First session: 4th May 2025
Final session: 6 September 2025
No Football on the following holiday 2025 dates: 19 April, 26 April, 31 May, 21 June, 5 July
13th Grade Coordinator – Vacant I admin@otumoetaifootball.co.nz
Grading is strictly based on the year of birth: (2025 Season) 2012 - 13th Grade
Registrations and Teams
Registrations open January through to the 31st March. At the close of registrations, the grade coordinator will put the teams together based on requests as indicated on the registration form (they do their best, nothing is guaranteed). If you have a few friends wanting to play together, they will all have to indicate this on their registration.
Once all registrations are sorted into teams, the coordinator will email out team details (typically mid April). Each team will require a volunteer coach and manager. All teams are provided with a kit bag at the start of the season which contains size 4 balls, cones, and bibs.
It is at the team's discretion what day they want to practice during the week or not.
COACHES & MANAGERS
Each team will need a coach and manager. The coach may also require help from the manager or another volunteer to help with the substitutions.
Coaches are encouraged to complete a Youth Coaching Course which will be held in the Fergusson Park Clubrooms and at no expense to the coach. These usually require you to attend just one session and will help you with ideas on how to help the kids develop. Team Coaches should encourage positive behaviours, and all players to perform different skills and roles within the team.
ORGANISATION
The weekly draw will be made available on the Waibop website and App. This should be checked again on a Thursday or Friday before the game incase of any last minute changes.
If your team needs to default the game for any reason, please contact your grade coordinator as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be made for the opposing team.
The weekly allocation of fixtures and field locations will be published on the Waibop Football website.
Home games are played at:
- Fergusson Park, Matua, Tauranga
Away games are usually played at other club locations throughout the Western BOP (Between Te Puke and Katikati)
TEAMS
Squads usually consist of up to 16 players per team. The Grade Coordinator, in conjunction with the Football Development Officer, will select teams based upon requests – friends, schools, previous teams (early requests are easier to meet). Teams are usually announced during mid April and will be emailed out by the Grade Coordinator.
PITCH (Optimal and where available)
U13 & U14 - 82m x 50m
LENGTH OF GAME
U13 - 2 x 35 minute halves
FORMAT
- 11v11 games including Goalkeepers
- Up to 7 rolling substitutes
- As per FIFA rules
PARENTS/SUPPORTERS
Should watch games from a few metres behind the outline. Provide encouragement to all players but leave specific football comments to the coach.
Those interested in playing an active role supporting the players could:
- Manage a team – working with the coach
- Coach a team for 1-2 training and 1 game per week
- Enrol in a Community Referee (CR) course so they can referee games.
- Run the line as an Assistant Referee.
