New to footy? How it all works
A plain-English guide for first-time footy families — the season, a typical game day, and how the game changes as kids grow from U9 to U16.
The season
The BJFL home-and-away season runs across [CONFIRM: season start & end months], with finals for the older grades. Most kids play one game a week, usually on the weekend, plus one training night.
A typical game day
Arrive [CONFIRM: arrival time before bounce] for a warm-up, play four short quarters, and you're usually done within a couple of hours. Bring water, a mouthguard and warm gear. Full game-day guide →
Everyone plays
Junior footy is about participation. Across the younger age groups every registered child gets a fair go and rotates through positions.
How the game grows with your child
Footy is modified for younger kids and steps up as they get older. Here's roughly how it changes.
| Age group | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Under 9 Mixed | The entry level for boys and girls. Emphasis on fun, fundamentals and getting lots of touches. Modified rules, smaller ground and a focus on learning, not the scoreboard. [CONFIRM: exact U9 modified-rules format] |
| Under 12 Boys Girls | Kids step into a fuller version of the game with graded teams. Skills, positions and teamwork come together. Boys play in graded sides (B, D); girls have their own U12 team. |
| Under 14 Boys | Full-field football with tackling and contested play, still coached for development and safety. Graded sides (A, C). |
| Under 15 Girls Girls | Dedicated girls' football as players mature — competitive, social and a strong pathway toward senior women's footy. |
| Under 16 Boys | The senior end of juniors — full contact, tactical play and finals footy. Graded sides (A, B). |
First time at footy? Don't stress about knowing the rules. Turn up, the coaches will guide your child, and you'll pick it up from the sidelines within a couple of weeks. Everyone was new once.
What your child needs
Footy boots, a mouthguard, shorts and socks, plus a club guernsey (supplied or purchased — [CONFIRM: uniform supply details]). A drink bottle and a warm jacket for the bench.
Full kit list →What you'll do as a parent
Get them there, cheer them on, and lend a hand when you can — a club like ours runs on parent help, from canteen to team manager. None of it is hard, and it's how you meet people.
Ways to help →Ready to get your child playing?
Registration for the 2026 BJFL season is open — it takes about 10 minutes online.
Register for 2026
