MiniRoos (U6-U8)

Welcome to Thornleigh Thunder FC!

Whether you’re a player or a parent of a mini player in our Under 6, 7, or 8 age groups, we’re excited to have you join the club. The following information will help you navigate the season and get familiar with what to expect.

Club Information

Communication:
The club primarily communicates through the Thornleigh Thunder FC Facebook page. Be sure to follow it for the latest updates.

Memorial Rounds:
Throughout the season, the club hosts several memorial rounds. Details for each round will be shared via the Facebook page ahead of time.

Teams

Registration Process:
To register, parents should visit the club website and follow the instructions under the ‘Registration 2025’ tab. After registration, player information is sent to the Thornleigh registrar, who will assign players to teams if they haven’t already been assigned.

What if Friends Want to Play Together After Grading Day?
Late registrations can still be accepted through the same process above.

Team Grading:
For MiniRoos (U6-U8), teams are non-competitive, except for a potential U8 Blue team, which may be entered into a competitive grade, depending on player and coach availability.

Mixed & Girls Teams:
Girls in the U6-U8 age group can either play in mixed teams or, depending on numbers, in a girls-only team. Mixed teams play on Saturdays, while girls’ teams may play in the mixed competition on Saturdays or the women’s competition on Sundays.

How Are Players Allocated to Age Groups?
Players who turn 6 during the year will play in the Under 6 division, although they may play in higher divisions if suitable. For example, a player turning 5 during the year can still play in the Under 6 division.

How Are Teams Formed?
Teams are formed with the goal of fun and fairness. We strive to keep groups of friends together while ensuring teams are balanced in terms of numbers.

Why Do Team Compositions Change, and How Long Will People Move Around?
The club must notify NWSF of team numbers and grades by 24th February to help plan the season’s draws. After this, registrations can still be accepted, but the number of teams we can form is limited. To maintain flexibility for late registrations, we initially keep teams at a smaller size, which will grow as needed to accommodate all players.

Why Do Grading and Season Calendars Change After Weeks 3 & 7?
In line with our emphasis on fun, the Association aims to match teams with similar ability levels throughout the season. Scores submitted each week help facilitate this. While team compositions do not change, the draws may be adjusted, including match times and locations, to ensure more balanced competition.

Why Do Team Names Change From Animals to Colours?
Teams are initially named during the grading process, but North West Sydney Football (NWSF) renames teams with colours for scheduling purposes. This typically happens a few weeks after the season begins.

Can Players Move Between Teams in the U6-U8 Age Groups?
Yes, as the teams are ungraded, players can move between teams if needed, especially during school holidays or if teams are short on players.

Training & Playing

Trial Games:
The club usually holds one trial game against a local club to give the kids a chance to get familiar with soccer and meet new friends before the season starts. These sessions are all about fun and getting to know each other.

Training Times & Locations:
Training schedules for the 2025 season will be shared soon.

When Does Training Start?
Training typically begins in late March, just before the first game of the season.

Do We Play and Train During School Holidays?
Usually, there are no matches or training during school holidays, but please check the draws as they may vary each season.

Rules of Play:
Rules for MiniRoos vary by age group. The NWSF website provides the relevant rules for each age group: NWSF MiniRoos Rules.

Where Can I Find the Season Draw?
Once available (typically mid-March), team managers will provide the draw to players. Draws can change throughout the season, so it’s best to refer to the website rather than printing out a hard copy.

Managers & Coaches

Coach Training:
Coaches must participate in formal coach development programs at the start of the season. The club covers the cost of these programs, which are usually held locally.

What Does the Manager Do?
Managers are key to facilitating communication between the team, parents, and the club. They help with subs on match day, ensure the team has enough players, and coordinate other duties like field setup, post-game snacks, and volunteering at club events.

Working with Children Checks:
All coaches, managers, and club committee members must complete a Working with Children Check through Service NSW. This is free of charge, but you must attend a Service NSW outlet to provide identification.

Parent Support & Involvement

Volunteering:
Thornleigh Thunder FC is a family-oriented club, and we encourage parents to get involved. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the community and make new connections. We rely on volunteers for coaching, managing, event help, and more. Consider attending the AGM to get involved.

How Parents Can Support the Club:
Parents will be asked to assist in various ways, including:

  • Club BBQ & Canteen (generally once or twice a season): Helping out with cooking, serving, or assisting in the canteen ensures the smooth operation of these essential activities.
  • Field Setup/Pack-Down at Oakleigh (on a roster basis): Assist with setting up goals, nets, flags, and other equipment before games, as well as packing everything away afterward.
  • Team Events: Help organise or assist team parties, or celebrations at the end of the season if your team chooses.
  • Photographers/Photographs: Volunteering to take action shots or capturing moments during games for the club’s social media.
  • Provide Transportation Assistance: For away games, parents might help by carpooling or organising transport for players who need a lift.
  • Assist with Team Communication: While the team manager typically handles communications, some parents may offer to help distribute information or reminders within the team group if the manager is away.

Supporting Team Spirit & Growth:

Positive Encouragement: Parents can help foster a positive environment by cheering on all players, ensuring that the focus remains on fun and development. It’s important to keep comments positive and in the past tense. For example, instead of saying “You should have kicked it better,” try “Great effort on that pass!” or “You played really well today!” This encourages players by recognising their efforts and progress rather than focusing on mistakes. Remember, let the coach coach—the coach is there to guide player development and provide specific feedback. Parents should refrain from giving tactical advice or instructions during the game so that players remain focused on the coach’s guidance and that they just hear one voice.

Skill Development Support: Assist with basic skills at home, providing extra encouragement for players to practice outside of formal training sessions.

Support for Coaches & Managers: Show appreciation for the efforts of coaches and managers, possibly through a thank-you card or small gesture at the end of the season.

    Code of Conduct:
    The club promotes fair play and expects all players, parents, coaches, managers, and officials to sign the Code of Conduct at the start of the season. This ensures everyone is aligned with the club’s expectations for behaviour.

    How Do We Approach Winning & Losing?
    The focus for MiniRoos is on having fun, not on winning or losing. We avoid emphasising scores and, if one team is stronger, we may rotate players or swap players between teams to ensure a fair match.

    Key Dates & Presentation Day

    Key Dates for the 2025 Season:
    Team Photo Day – May 2025

    Presentation Day (end of August TBC):
    At the end of the season, we hold a presentation day where MiniRoos receive their team photos and trophies. There will be a casual kick-around, a sausage sizzle, and time for parents to connect, reflect on the season, and return any borrowed equipment.

    Players & Equipment

    What to Bring to Training:
    Don’t forget your drink bottle, shin pads, boots, and a jumper as we move into the colder months.

    Training vs. Playing Shirts:
    Each player will receive a training shirt to keep. This should be worn during training. Playing shirts are returned at the end of the season.

    When & How to Receive Your Kit:
    Managers will distribute kits, including shorts, socks (for new players), training shirts, and other equipment like balls, bibs and cones, in March.