Q. My child wants to play football, but I don't know where to start.
Well hopefully, some of your questions may be answered on this page, but if not we encourage people to call our Football Manager or write to us seeking information.
Q. My child is only seven years old but is extremely keen to take up football.
Generally, we prefer children to be at least eight years old although in some instances where they can display special skills, we may make an exception, but this would be the exception rather than the rule. We encourage young players to join Auskick where essential football skills are developed. Even after attaining eight years of age and joining junior football at Tackers level, we still believe children should keep up their Auskick because of the exceptional program it provides in football skills development.
On the other hand, you need to be careful that 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 him back until he is nine or ten years of age will see him placed in Under 10s or Under 11s first up and it may take some little while for him to catch up with the others in the team. It's a fine balance.
Q. My daughter wants to play football.
Great. We're quite happy to include girls in our teams - teach those boys a thing or two about football! Due to Yarra Junior Football League rules, however, there is a limitation on age at which time other competitions may be better suited for her.
Q. How much does it cost to join?
Like all sports activities, there are some costs involved. Our registration page set out the latest registration/match fees payable.
Q. I can't see the point in him doing both Auskick and junior football.
Both activities complement each other. We have quite a number of children who play Tackers level but still come down to Auskick each Saturday. You could call it an extra training session and it builds a fantastic team spirit between the kids at Auskick and Donny Heights. And don't forget, if you have a child in Auskick, you'll be eligible for a pretty good rebate on your registration fees.
Q. What about jumpers and other gear?
The club provides all their players with jumpers at the beginning of the season which are to be returned at the end of the year. To allow plenty of time for preparation of team kits, children need to be measured up for a jumper about two or three weeks prior to the commencement of the season. Shorts and socks are available for purchase from the club at moderate cost.
Limited quantities of secondhand football boots are available and you may be lucky enough to find just the right size. These football boots are donated by members of the club after each season. But you have to be quick! At the Tackers level, there isn't any real need to buy the highest quality football boots available. A good sturdy boot is all that is needed.
The club can provide helmets if required.
We also recommend that mouthguards are worn in every age group.
Q. When do the kids play?
Junior football in the Yarra Junior Football League is played on Sundays. Usually, Tackers play their matches around 10:00am with the other teams staggered throughout the day. The older age groups, therefore, play later in the afternoon. Players should be at grounds 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the game to warm up and receive last minute instructions from their coaches.
From Tackers level to U13s each quarter comprises 15 minutes playing time with breaks in between totalling just under 25 minutes, therefore games are around 1.5 hours. The senior teams play for 20 minutes each quarter.
Training times varying depending on the teams. Details of training times can be found here. After registration, we always write to you advising when afternoon training commences and the times.
Mums and Dads are are encouraged to watch their kids train and assist in the drills.
Q. I'm concerned about injuries on the field?
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.
Tackers match rules are modified to minimise risk. Tackling is not permitted nor is kicking the ball off the ground. 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.
Q. I'd like to help out around the club - who do I approach?
There are many jobs on match days where you can be invaluable. Goal umpires, boundary umpires, runners, timekeepers even assistant coaches are always eagerly sought. Even bringing along the three quarter time oranges is a great help. Simply ask your team manager and before you know it, you'll have a white coat and two sticks to wave! Next year, you may want to be a team manager - just ask one of the committee people who can generally be found loitering around the pavillion on training days.
We're also keen to have parents help out on the organising committee. Doncaster Heights is a family run club managed by the parents of the players. This is your club and you have every right to have a say in how it runs.
Q. When does the season start?
Most seasons start around April each year, however, this will always be subject to the condition and availability of venues. There will be 16 rounds played in the season plus finals series.
Q. What about the social side of things?
There are various social activities throughout the year. We are a FAMILY orientated club, once your son or daughter registers as a member, the whole family can participate in the club social events.
A popular activity are Social Nights which are held on selected Sunday evenings from 6:00pm. ALL family members are welcome, it's a family night but aimed at the kids. Drinks (soft drinks, beer and wine) are available at reasonable prices. It's a great way to meet new friends.
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 based on common issues - our kids.
And don't forget the fabulous Pie Nights. Ask any senior player what he remembers best about his junior football and he'll probably tell you the Pie Nights were the best thing!
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to make an enquiry please feel free to contact:
secretary@doncasterheightsjfc.org