​​​​​​​Start time: 9am​​​​​​​

Each week, teams do 2 Skill Activities (8 mins each) followed by two 15 min games. 

​​​​​Puarenga Park Pitch Map HERE.

Skill Activities: 10th May 2025

Activity 1: Trucks & Trailers

Activity 2: Statues

Activity Timeline - to be confirmed.

• 09:00am – Assemble on your allocated Pitch with your team and begin Activity 1 (Activities can be delivered as one group -2 teams together, or two separate groups on half field each) 
• 09:07am – Move onto Activity 2 
• 09:14am – Drinks break before starting Game 1 (stay on allocated pitch for game 1)
• 09:20am – Hooter sounds for start of Game 1
• 09:35am – Hooter sounds for end of Game 1 (team named 1st in draw stays on allocated Pitch, other team moves to next Pitch)
• 09:40am – Hooter sounds for start of Game 2
• 09:55am – Final hooter sounds – present ‘Player of the Day’ awards

Please note: the team named first in the draw stays on their allocated pitch, the team named second rotates to the next pitch (move alphabetically A – B – C etc.).

Key Points - First Kicks 

• 4-6 years old
• 3v3 or 4v4 format
• 2 x 15-minute games
• No goalkeepers
• No offside rule
• No throw-ins or corner kicks
• Ball kicked/dribbled back into play
• No published match results or ladders

Fun Games & Activities

The McDonalds Junior Football fun games/activities play a major part in each session. Please use them and support the development and enjoyment of our future footballers.

Our goal is to enthuse young players so that they fall in love with the sport and stay in it for life. These activities offer volunteer coaches with a variety of fun games, each focusing on a particular technical outcome. Every activity is an opportunity for young children to take part in fun, enjoyable football games that will develop them as players and people.

It is important to check that SMILES are evident in your sessions:

• S - Safe
• M - Maximum participation
• I - Inclusive
• L - Learning
• E - Enjoyable
• S - Successful

Thank you for supporting the growth and development of football.

ALL ABOUT FIRST KICKS

First Kicks Information Booklet 2024: Click HERE 

First Kicks National Playing Rules: Click HERE 

Introduction to Coaching Courses: Click HERE

Skill Activities 2025 Season: Click HERE

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Examples of the weekly activities can be viewed on the NZF Coachmate app and/or on the website at 

NZF McDonald's Junior Framework Coaching Manual