Junior Footy Program

Junior footy is the next step for kids who’re ready to move on from Auskick or other introductory school or community programs. It’s the perfect environment for kids to develop skills, make friends and have fun and creates memories that last a lifetime.

For U8, U9 and U10 age groups, match rules are modified so kids can continue to develop their skills in an enjoyable and safe atmosphere. As kids gain skills and confidence, they’re gradually introduced to more competitive footy.

Based on the “this is our game” philosophy, we aim to ensure boys and girls have a fun, safe, supportive and positive experience that is suitable to their needs.

South Metro Junior Football League

The league caters for age groups ranging from U8 to U18. In season 2022, the league consisted of 25 member clubs and 479 teams playing across 64 divisions. For further info on the league, click here.

Season Club Sponsor

Girls

Many girls prefer to play junior footy in single gender environments. From U8+, we recommend girls join our girls program. However, you and your daughter can choose to play in mixed gender teams up until U14. For further info on the girls program, click here.

Modified Rules

As junior footballers aren’t fully grown adults with the same skill level as AFL or AFLW players, we modify matches to suit their needs. In modified rules:

  • there’s an emphasis on fun and participation, with all players encouraged to play in all positions

  • there’s no scoring and no best-and-fairest voting

  • there’s a smaller ground and a smaller ball for smaller hands

  • the following is not permitted: intentional kicking off the ground, intentionally falling to the ground when being tackled, stealing or smothering, grabbing the ball out of the ruck and playing on

  • only 1 bounce is permitted and tackling is modified

How to get involved?

Registrations for new and existing participants for season 2024 opened in December 2023. For further info on registrations, click here. Your child must be 7 years old as at 30/04/2023 to register, with no exceptions due to league insurance requirements.

For U8, U9 & U10 age groups, we endeavour to group friendship groups and school groups together in the same team, with no hard grading.

The pre-season squad training schedule and season team training schedule will be formulated early in season 2024 and is based on coach and ground availability.

If you curious, interested or have questions, please contact me.

Warwick Earl
Junior/Mixed Coordinator

M: 0421 272 701
E: juniormixedcoordinator.juniorfooty@smdsc.com.au