Whole of Football 2.0


This page details the changes to junior and youth formats this season.

What is changing this season?

Following a three-year period of analysis, Whole of Football 2.0 has been introduced this season to further evolve how the game is delivered. 

Among the changes are updated game formats and structures designed to foster a lifelong love of football and prioritise skill development from an early age. 

What is the rationale for these changes?

Research shows that playing smaller formats of the game for longer significantly increases involvement in the game and touches on the ball for players which accelerates skill development, and better prepares participants for the transition to 11 vs 11 football a year later at the U14 age group. 

New Zealand Football’s own research, based on piloting the framework, shows that by going through the new Whole of Football 2.0 player pathway, players on average will accumulate over 3,800 more touches of the ball with goalkeepers more involved in the game, accumulating over 1,300 more goalkeeper actions. 

International research shows playing in smaller formats in the game for longer:

  • Increases touches on the ball
  • Players have 200% more touches on the ball in a 7-a-side match compared to 11vs 11 game; and
  • 500% more touches more touches in a 4 v4 format

What are the main changes to the game format?

Click the grade below to learn detailed information for that grade for this season:

The main change for First Kicks is the move from 5v5 to 3v3 games and the smaller field size. Also, U7 stays one further year in the First Kicks format.

SUNDAYS

  • U4 – 10am – 10.45am
  • U5/U6 – 8.30am – 9.30am
  • U7 – 10am – 11am

The main changes for Fun Football are the move from in U9 from 7v7 to 5v5 and goal keepers and larger 4×2 goals are introduced for both grades. U9 stays for one more year on the smaller field size and with the internal games and festivals every three to four weeks.

SATURDAYS

  • U8/U9 – 8.30am – 9.30am

The main changes for Mini Football are the move from in U11 from 9v9 to 7v7. U11 stays for one more year on the smaller field size, two shorter games and the 4v2 goal.

The main change for Mini Football is U13 staying in juniors for one more year. U13 stays for one more year with 9v9 and on the smaller field size.

The new age band U14 is introduced and is the first grade to play 11v11 on a full sized field.

GOSL are the same rules as above. Grade details can be found here.

Have more questions? Contact us on wof@westernsuburbs.co.nz.