Eligibility
Junior Football is the perfect environment for kids to have fun and learn through play. It’s a chance for children to play football with their friends and establish new friendships, with a distinct focus on team building.
Hopefully this document will assist to answer your questions, but if by the end, you still have more, we encourage you to contact us at Montrose Junior Contact
Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question. Montrose FC prides itself on running a professional program that provides young people and, including our Club’s Auskickers, a pathway to continue playing football, developing their skills, and play in competition football.
This is your decision, and we understand you will do what is best for your child. However, holding back your child from playing junior football in preference to Auskick could result in the player being placed in an age group that might be too much for his skill sets. For example, holding them back until they are 9 or 10 years of age will see them placed in Under 10s or Under 11s first up and it may take some time for them to catch up with the others in the team. It’s a fine balance, so please seek advice from team coach, as often a combination of Auskick and Junior Football makes the transition easier for your child.
Both activities complement each other. We have quite a number of children who still train at Auskick each Saturday, and play Junior Football on Sunday. You could call it an extra training session, and it builds a fantastic team spirit between the kids at Auskick and Montrose FNC.
The league runs competitions for age groups of Under 8 up to Under 17. Montrose FNC then provides a pathway for our players to play Senior football within the Club.
For the 2023 season, a player (boy or girl) must to be born no later than 30/04/2016 to be eligible to play in the U8s team.
You can check the age ranges for all Junior teams on the Junior info page.
A player must be born no later than 30th April 2015 to be eligible to play in the U8s team. If they are not old enough, we encourage young players to join or continue at Montrose Auskick where essential football skills are developed, and join us in Junior Football the following year. This date requirement is set by the AFL and is not flexible.
The age of the player on the 1st January, will determine the age they will play in. For example: a player who turns 9 years of age between the 1st of January 2013 and 31st December 2013 shall be eligible to play in the Under 9 age group.
On occasions, a child may be playing against older children, however this is a joint decision between the Junior President, Football Operations Manager, Coach and the parent. We would encourage parents to seek the advice of their teams Coach should they require any guidance.
Fantastic! Montrose FNC Girls division is growing each year, and we have teams in U10, U12, U14s, U16s and U18s age groups. In 2021 we also fielded our first ever Women’s team, which included several players who started their football careers with the Montrose FC Girls teams.
Please message Montrose Juniors Contact for more information, as we are continuing to look to develop & grow more teams within Montrose.
The seasons starts around March/April each year; however, this will always be subject to the condition and availability of venues. There will be 14 rounds played in the season plus finals series (excluding U8s, U9s & U10’s). Match details will be provided weekly by your Team Manager, however a fixture will also be available via the Montrose FC website or GameDay App.
The EFNL – Eastern Football Netball League
Registration & Transfers
Yes. However, please note that as team numbers are typically restricted to a maximum number of 24 per team. Should this cut-off be reached before registering, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
Like all sports activities, there are some costs involved. The 2022 season’s club registration fee has been set at $115* for an U8 player and increases per age group. This fee includes the club loaning each player their playing jumper (to be returned to the Club at the end of the season).
EFNL Player registration fees and basic insurance are an additional $18 (* Subject to change).
If payment of fees presents any financial difficulties, please message Montrose Juniors Contact, as we can offer payment plans and the like.
The registration window will open in November each year and is completed online like the Auskick Registration. This date is critical to the club in registering team numbers. If anyone has any trouble meeting this deadline, please do not hesitate to contact Montrose Junior Registrations team.
Note, Auskick registrations open late October or early November.
Registration is completed on line, together with a credit card payment. Cash or Direct Deposits into the Montrose Football Club bank account can be arranged. However, the ($18) EFL Insurance MUST be completed online.
We will hold Open Days specifically for registration in November and again in February / March, where you can come down to the club rooms and register online.
Yes. You will need to provide the following information for the Club to start the transfer process. Please send through the details on the Junior Transfer page:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Club Name & League the player is transferring from
- Parent name, mobile & email
Uniforms & Merchandise
The club provides all their players with jumpers at the beginning of the season, and are to be returned at the end of the season.
In addition, players will be required to provide their own:
- Mouthguard (Compulsory for Training and Matches)
- Playing Shorts – available from the Club uniform shop
- Playing Socks – available from the Club uniform shop
- Football Boots
- Head guard/ Helmet (Optional)
Yes, Montrose Auskick offers Footy Boot Trading at the start of each season, which you are welcome to partake in. All boots are checked to be in good, wearable condition for trading.
You can either trade one pair for another at no cost, or you can purchase a pair for $8. You may be lucky enough to find just the right size. But you have to be quick!
Also keep an eye on out on the Montrose Auskick Facebook page.
A cost effective mould-able mouthguard can be purchased from the club merchandise shop or your local chemist.
Alternatively, a properly fitted one (which is recommended) can be made by your family dentist. This cost may be subsidised under private health insurance policy, but check with your insurer first.
Yes. The Club encourages the whole family to support the club. Sports bags, beanies, jackets, hoodies, umbrellas, club caps, and polo shirts are available for purchase in sizes suitable for children and adults.
The uniform & merchandise shop is open at every home game & every second Sunday at the club rooms. Alternatively, you can contact Montrose FNC Merchandise.
Team Selection & Official Roles
All players are skills assessed pre-season, and grouped accordingly. The Football Operations Manager along with the team Coaches make the final selections. Please refer to the grading policy, available from your team manager, for more information.
Please make contact with the Football operations Manager and/or the Junior President to discuss any concerns you may have.
Every team requires must have various officials to assist in officiating the game. Only these officials are allowed inside the boundary fence on game days:
- Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Runner
- Trainer (First Aid qualified & in competitive teams Level One Trainer Certified) Note, this training is provided to individuals.
- Team Manager
Please note all team Coaches are required to be Level 1 Accredited with the AFL and also hold a Working with Children Check. We can help direct you with all of this, if you do not currently hold these prerequisites.
If you would like to volunteer for any of these roles, please contact Montrose Juniors
Every year the Club calls for coaching nominations from the community. These applications are reviewed by the Junior President and Football Operations Manager. Your nominations can be sent to the Football operations Manager and/or the Junior President via Montrose Juniors Contact
Training Times
Training times varying depending on the teams. After registration, families will be provided with a club / team email communication detailing training times and locations, including pre-season training.
Parents are encouraged to watch their kids train and assist in the drill or just support the players. Our clubroom facilities are available to parents and spectators on most training nights.
Ideally, yes. The Coach and Club expect our players to be available for all training sessions and games, but we understand this is not always possible. Please always advise your Team Manager and/ or Coach if your child is unable to participate in training or matches.
Game Day
Games are played on Sundays any time from 8.00am to 3.00pm. Usually, U8’s and U9’s play their matches between 9:00am - 12:00 noon, with the older teams staggered throughout the day.
Playing venue is determined by the competition fixture and a list of playing grounds can be sourced from GameDay App.
- U8s will play at Quambie Reserve, Ringwood every week.
- U9s – U17s will move around the district playing venues.
Yes. Players must be at grounds 45 minutes prior to the commencement of the game, in uniform, to sign in, warm up and receive last minute instructions from their coaches.
There are a number of tasks that are required to be assigned to parents on the day. These roles are typically assigned in advance by the Team Manager and can be rotated. They include:
- Goal Umpire
- Boundary Umpire
- Trainer
- Runner
- Timekeeper
- Umpire Escort
- Drinks Carrier
- BBQ Helpers (Home Games)
Also, in the event of player injury, it is most helpful if their parent or guardian is present.
Under 8s, 9s, 10s are non-competitive games. This means there is no scoring, ladder or finals for these age groups.
Modified rules are implemented to ensure children with a fun, safe and positive experience through a match program that develops their movement and basic football skills. It also provides all players a game of football in which they have every opportunity to gain possession of the ball and safely dispose of it by kick or handball.
Yes. U8’s and U9’s match rules are modified to minimise risk.
There is no tackling in U8s, nor is kicking the ball off the ground permitted. Experienced coaching personnel and umpires keep a close watch on the game to ensure that unduly rough play is controlled and managed. It is rare to have serious injuries occur in very young age groups.
For U9s and U10s the following ‘Modified Tackle’ rules apply: a player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. The tackle may be from either side or from behind, providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward player with the ball (i.e. push the player in the back). Bumping is not allowed.
There will also be a reduced numbers of players on the field for U8s (9 player on field) and U9s (15 players). Oval sizes will be smaller.
Playing venues will change from week to week (excluding U8s), and your Team Manager will advise where you will play.
(To the tune of ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag’)
It’s a grand old flag
It’s a high flying flag
It’s the emblem for me and for you
It’s the emblem of the team we love
The team of the Red and the Blue
Ev’ry heart beats true
For the Red and the Blue
And we sing this song to you (What do we sing!)
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the Red and the Blue
Communication & Expectations
Montrose Football Club regularly updates
- Facebook - Montrose Football Netball Club.
- Twitter - @MontroseFNC
- Instagram - @montrosefootball
Like – Share – Comment. This is for your enjoyment!
Main communication will be sent through Facebook - 'Montrose Football Club – ALL TEAMS' page, where communication from the board, general announcements from committees, event schedules are posted, as well as the place to be the first to hear about upcoming events. Please request to join this as it is a private page for MFNC members, players & parents only.
Each age group will also have access to a closed team Facebook page for direct communication on fixtures, rosters etc relevant to your team. Your Team Manager will grant you access at the start of the season, or you can request to join.
The most common form of communication within the Club in regards to your child’s team is via email. It is therefore important that when you register that you include your family email addresses. If you do not have email, please advise your Team Manager. Similarly, if you do not have access to Facebook, your Team Manager will work with you to get the communication required to you.
Our members hold high standards of behaviour and sportsmanship. We, as a club, expect both parents and players to exhibit this at all times. Montrose FNC set a high standard, and has a solid reputation in the EFNL competition, something we can ALL be extremely proud of.
Football is a contact sport and the risk of sustaining injury is something that all parents and players need to consider. Players, officials and spectators are insured by the Leagues insurance policy. It is highly recommended players have personal private health insurance & ambulance cover.
No-one likes to see football players injured irrespective of age. That’s why skills development and training is so important. Proper skills development can help in the prevention of injury.
However, the coach and assistant coaches only have limited vision and are responsible for managing the training program, so we ask all players and parents to be on guard to be watchful at all times and provide your Coaches with ‘parent watch’ support.
Social Functions & Sponsorship
The Junior & Senior clubs hold regular presentation days, to celebrate the success of your child.
- U8s every 4 weeks, on Sunday at 5pm
- U9s – U17s – every even round Sunday (round 2, round 4 etc)
See you Team Manager for more details during pre-season, or the club calender on Facebook for dates.
Throughout the year, activities are organised that cater for kids and parents alike – it’s a great way to meet people and develop friendships that last for years.
The club rooms are open after every Senior home game, and every Friday & Junior even round Sunday from 5:00pm. All family members are welcome – from Auskick, Juniors & Seniors. Drinks are available at bar prices, and dinners are reasonably priced (it’s a great excuse not to have to cook for the night!)
There are events and fundraising run through the 14 week season. The Events are a lot of fun and are always well attended and the fundraising assists with maintain our equipment and facilities. Footy Season is a busy season and it is great to know what some of the things that are on offer are:
- Annual Trivia/Quiz night
- Annual Ladies Day
- Sponsors Lunch - if you provide sponsorship to the club you will be invited to this lunch as our guest
- Club 300 Lunch - Higher level Membership which has some great benefits around the Montrose Senior Games
- Team Photos
- Team Social Nights
- EFL Fundraising/Awareness - the EFL usually support a charity each season
- Cadbury’s Fundraising - Chocolate Box
- Major Raffle Prize - Trik Trailer packed with Mitre 10 Bayswater Goodies
- Bunnings BBQ
- Presentations Days - The Club runs a day event however most teams also arrange a team event
- Teams Officials Collection - A collection of up to $20 each to get end of season presents for all those officials who have volunteered their time each week to get the team on the ground. This is coordinateed directly with your team manager.
Absolutely! Please contact the Club’s Sponsorship Coordinator for a tailor made sponsorship package that suits your budget.
We ask all members, where possible, to please support our sponsors as they support our Club. Their details are available at the Club’s website.
There are many jobs on match days where your assistance can be invaluable. Goal umpires, boundary umpires, runners, timekeepers are always eagerly sought. Even bringing along the half time oranges is a great help. There are about 14 roles that have to be filled each week to ensure the team is able to take the field.
Simply ask your Team Manager.
We’re also keen to have parents help out on the Junior Club Committee, in areas of membership, sponsorship, event, merchandise, administrative and treasury. Please contact our Junior President for more details.
- Junior President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Football Operations Manager
- Registrations
- Accreditations
- Trainers Coordinator
- Grounds Coordinator
- Events Coordinator
- Fundraising Coordinator
- Grants Coordinator
General Committee Members
You don’t need to be a committee member to help!
There are times when many hands make light work. We always encourage our parents to help out where they can, whether it is emptying a full rubbish bin, picking up litter they see lying around, carrying equipment, and chairs. A helping hand is always appreciated and you don’t have to wait to be asked.
There are also a number of roles that do not require you to be on the Committee, yet are roles that are required through the season like:
- Milestone Coordinator
- Ladies Day Coordinator
- Trivia Night Coordinator
- Montrose Community Festival – Sub Committee
- Trophy Coordinator
- Newsletter Coordinator
- Team Social Night Coordinator
- Friday Meals Coordinator
- Membership Coordinator
- Awards Night Coordinator
- Fixture & Ladder Coordinator
- Team Photo Coordinator
- Chocolate Drive Coordinator
- Bunning BBQ Coordinator
- Trailer Raffle Coordinator
- Grounds Scheduling Coordinator
- Club Historian
If you are keen to get more involved in the Junior Committee, please come say hi to any of the committee members at the ground, or email us!
Any other questions? Please email or contact the respective Team Manager, Coach or Junior President or check out the club contacts list.
Regards
Montrose Junior Team