Registrations for the 2024 season are open.

Coaches and Managers can register at any time during the season.

Please read the information below carefully before proceeding. If you need to contact an Age Coordinator, you can find their details here: https://www.balmainfootball.com.au/age-coordinators/.

If you are looking for information about ordering player kit from Ultra Football, please look here: https://www.balmainfootball.com.au/kit-ordering-faqs/.

Most age groups are now at or nearing capacity. To check for any availability, please contact the relevant Age Coordinator before registering.

There is some limited room in the following age groups:

  • U6 GIRLS
  • U12 MIXED
  • U13 GIRLS
  • U15 BOYS
  • U15 GIRLS – Goalkeeper only
  • U16 BOYS
  • ALL AGE WOMEN
  • O35 MEN
  • O35 WOMEN

** Registration Fees for the 2024 Winter Season **

Age Group (age turning in 2024)

2024 Fee

All Abilities (5-23yrs) $100.00
Tiny Tigers (4-5yrs) $130.00
6 – 7 $255.00
8 – 12 $285.00
13 – 18 $315.00
U21 MEN (18-21yrs) & U19 WOMEN (15-19yrs) $360.00
Senior Players (All Age (18+), O35, O45, O50) $460.00
Adult Full-time Students (18+) registering as Senior Players OR Senior Players aged 67 or over (prior to 1st January) $410.00 (after rebate)
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
All Abilities (5-21yrs)
2024 Fee
$100.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
Tiny Tigers (4-5yrs)
2024 Fee
$130.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
6 ? 7
2024 Fee
$255.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
8 ? 12
2024 Fee
$285.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
13 ? 18
2024 Fee
$315.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
U21 (18-21) & WIL (15-19)
2024 Fee
$360.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
Senior Players (All Age, O35, O45, O50)
2024 Fee
$460.00
Age Group (age turning in 2024)
Adult Full-time Students (18+) registering as Senior Players OR Senior Players aged 67 or over (prior to 1st January)
2024 Fee
$410.00 (after rebate)

NOTE for Family Discounts:

The Club provides a family discount of $50 per child for the registration of second and subsequent siblings (U6 – U18 only). Details on how to apply for the family discount are detailed in the section “How do we receive the Family Discount, Student Rebate, or Senior Discount?” below.

Junior players (4.5 to 18) can take advantage of the NSW Active Creative Kids Voucher Program, which is a $50 rebate on registration fees for eligible activites for each school-aged child that meets the criteria. Details about the program can be found here: NSW Office of Sport – Active Kids.

Please note that refund of the Active Creative Kids voucher is not possible: Once a voucher has been applied to a registration, neither BDFC nor Service NSW are able to provide a refund of the voucher if registration is cancelled or modified for any reason, including for change of mind or mistaken redemption. You should carefully consider use of your voucher if there will be any reason for you to consider cancelling your registration.

Our guide to applying for the NSW Active Creative Kids voucher: Balmain DFC NSW Active Kids Voucher Guide.

All Players (or their Parents/Guardians) must read and confirm acceptance of the BDFC Disciplinary Policy & Procedures and Football Canterbury Code of Conduct when processing registration.

Priority is given to returning players who register & pay prior to February 1 (although a place is not guaranteed), then new players on a first-come, first-served basis until all teams in the age group are filled.

Due to continued lack of training and playing space in the Inner West Council area, we are unable to guarantee acceptance of your registration. If you or your child cannot be placed into a team due to lack of available spots, a full refund will be given.

Registration Process

Please read all the information below before starting a registration.

Once you’re ready, please go here to begin a registration: Balmain DFC Registration Portal.

  • The registration system used by the Football Canterbury Association is Dribl. A guide on how to register in this new system is available here: Registration Guide – Dribl.
    • Parents & Carers will be able to use their own account to register multiple children, you do not need to create a separate Dribl account for each child.
      • If registering your child(ren) under your account, please ensure you enter THEIR name in the appropriate fields.
    • The guide also outlines how you can track/amend your registrations once they’re submitted.
  • Please remember to obtain your Active Kids Voucher(s) – if applicable – BEFORE you start the player registration process for your children. You will be asked to enter the voucher number during the registration process. Details on how to obtain a voucher are in the “Active Kids Voucher” section on this page.

It’s important that players register in the correct age group. For juniors, age groups are based on the age a player will turn during 2024, regardless of which day or month. For example, a player born 14/12/2013 turns 13 in 2024 and will therefore play in the 13s (either 13 MIXED or 13 GIRLS).

In some instances, a player may play up a year if they’re wanting to play with older friends or are graded that way. If this is the case, please ensure you select the appropriate age group when registering – e.g. a child turning 8 in 2024 may be registering to play in an U9 team, therefore you should select to register in 9 MIXED or 9 GIRLS.

A player cannot register into an age group younger than themselves.

Photos will need to be uploaded when individuals register:

  • Photos for all Players and Team Officials will be mandatory at the time of registration in the new system, otherwise they cannot finalise their registrations.
    • All players registering in 10s and above will require photos to be added to their profiles before ID cards will be issued.
  • Photos must meet the guidelines as specified in the Dribl Registration Guide.

To start the registration process please go here: Balmain DFC Registration Portal.

Proof of ID

All new players (or those who haven’t yet provided it) will be required to provide a proof of age document. This will be followed up by the club separate to the registration process.

Dribl Support Contacts

Please use the following options as a first point of contact for any questions/issues with the Dribl Registration system:

Important Season Dates for 2024 (subject to change)

  • January 3 2024: Winter Season registrations open
  • January 16-18: Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 1 (Mixed & Girls-Only)
  • January 23-25: Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 2 (Mixed & Girls-Only)
  • January 30: U18 Boys Grading #1
  • January 31: Pre-Season Program starts
  • January 31: MiniRoos Kick-Off & MiniTillies starts
  • February 1: Final day for priority winter registration for returning players
  • February 1: Football Kickstarter Program starts
  • February 3: U18 Boys Grading #2
  • February 3-24 2024: Summer Football Comp 2023/24 (Juniors U7-U13) continues
  • February 4: BBC Team Open Trials #1
  • February 6: Over 35 Womens Training starts
  • February 9 & 11: Development Program Induction Night (Online)
  • February 10: BBC Team Open Trials #2
  • March 2: U8 Mixed & U8 Girls Teams Gala Day for non-graded teams
  • March 10: DP Parent Coach Meeting
  • March 12: Development Program commences (U8-U16)
  • March 12: Player Pathways Program commences (U6-U13 Mixed & U8-U16 Girls)
  • March 15: Football Kickstarter (#2) commences (U7-U9 Girls)
  • March 16: Team Kit bag collection #1 – Waterfront Oval (U8 and above) – 10am-3pm
  • March 17: Team Kit bag collection #2 – Waterfront Oval (U8 and above) – 10am-3pm
  • March 18: Balmain DFC Annual General Meeting
  • March 19: Coaches & Managers Information Night for U8 and above (Online)
    • SSF (U8-U12) – 6:15-7:30pm
    • U13-O50 – 7:45-9pm
  • March 23-24: Induction Days (Details and Registration)
  • March 26-April 1: Inner West Council Fields CLOSED – Please stay off the grounds
  • April 5-7: Season starts for U8 and above
  • April 9 (TBC): Coaches & Managers Information Night for U6/U7 (Online)
  • April 13 (TBC): Team Kit bag collection #1 – Waterfront Oval (U6/U7)
  • April 14 (TBC): Team Kit bag collection #2 – Waterfront Oval (U6/U7)
  • April 16-19: Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 1 (Girls-Only & Mixed)
  • April 19-21: Middle week of school holidays
    • Fixtures for U8 and above age groups will be scheduled
  • April 23-24 & 26: Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 2 (Girls-Only & Mixed)
  • April 27-28: Season starts for ALL ABILITIES, TINY TIGERS, U6/U7 MIXED & GIRLS
  • May 6-7: U8s ONLY – Football Canterbury initial review/regrade (post-Round 5)
  • June 3-5: U8-U12 Football Canterbury Mid-season natural review/regrade for SSF (post-Round 9)
  • June 7-10 Long Weekend (King’s Birthday):
    • No games for U6 to U12 & Tiny Tigers
    • Normal round for 10-team Divisions (U13+)
    • Catch-up fixtures for U13 and above will be scheduled as required
  • June 17-20: Splitting of 12-team Divisions (U13+)
    • Draw for new divisions will be published during this week
  • Late June TBC: BDFC Coaches, Managers, and Volunteers Dinner
  • July 9-12: Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 1
  • July 13-14: Middle week of School Holidays:
    • No games for U6 to U12 & Tiny Tigers
    • Fixtures for U13 and above will be scheduled
    • Catch-up fixtures for U13 and above will be scheduled as required
  • July 16-19: Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 2
  • July 19-21: Final Home & Away round for 8-team divisions (U13+)
  • July 26-28: Final Home & Away round for 6-team divisions (U13+)
  • August 2-4: Final Home & Away round for 10-team divisions (U13+)
  • August 9-11: Grand Finals for 8-team divisions
  • August 16-18:
    • Grand Finals for 6-team divisions
    • Football Canterbury SSF (Small-Sided Football) Medal Presentation Round (U8-U12)
  • August 23-25: Grand Finals for 10-team divisions
  • August 24-25 (TBC): Balmain DFC Presentation Days (TT to U14)
  • October 1-4 (TBC): Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 1
  • October 8-11 (TBC): Balmain DFC Holiday Camps – Week 2
  • October TBC – BDFC Summer Football Comp (U7-U13)
  • November TBC: Grading Trials for 2025 season – U8 to U16

2024 NSW School Holidays

  • School begins: Thursday 1st February
  • Autumn Vacation: Mon April 15 – Fri April 26
  • Winter Vacation: Mon July 8 – Fri July 19
  • Spring Vacation: Mon Sept 30 – Fri Oct 11
  • School Ends: Friday Dec 20

Referees

There are plenty of great reasons for becoming a football referee. You actively participate in the sport, you help raise the standard of football, you develop a network of close friends, you develop your management and communication skills, and it’s a great way to earn some pocket money.

Referees are an integral part of Football. The first steps to becoming a referee at the World Cup starts at the local level. The pre-requisites for becoming a football referee are:

  • You must be a minimum of 13 years old
  • You have a passion for Football.

It’s that easy!

The Canterbury Referees Association (CRA) are actively seeking new referees to join our community. People of all experience and fitness levels are accepted. If you would like to be part of this exciting culture, please check out how to become a new referee with the CRA HERE.

For qualified junior referees who are also registered players (13 to 18 years of age), Balmain DFC have a rebate program in place to help offset some of the annual costs of CRA membership. Please contact the Registrar at registrar@balmainfootball.com.au for more information.

Associate Referee
Interested in learning some basics to jump in and referee a game when there is no referee? CRA offer a short, simple, and free Associate Referee Course. Register your interest here: https://form.jotform.com/230531861159859

Game Leaders & Mentors

The Game Leader program covers leading games for the U8-U12 (SSF) age groups and is a great way to build skills and confidence. More information is available here: Game Leaders – Balmain & District Football Club (balmainfootball.com.au).

Registration FAQs:

The base registration fee includes:

  • Ultra Football voucher for player uniform:
    • New players: the voucher covers the cost of a full playing kit (shirt, socks, shorts)
    • Returning players: a $30 voucher to use on club gear in the Ultra Football Balmain DFC Club Zone
  • Football Australia (FA) player fee
  • FA Processing Fee and GST
  • Football NSW player fee and insurance
  • Football Canterbury Association player and team fees
  • Match Official (Referee/Assistant Referee) fees
  • Ground hire fees for training fields and match days
  • Team Training Kit/Balls + Match Balls (to be returned at end of season)

It’s important that players register in the correct age group. For juniors, age groups are based on the age a player will turn during the year of the relevant season, regardless of which day or month. For the 2024 Winter season for example, a player born 14/12/2011 turns 13 in 2024 and should therefore register in the 13s (either 13 MIXED or 13 GIRLS). If they are playing up a year then they should register for either 14 BOYS or 14 GIRLS.

** In some instances a player may be playing up a year if they’re wanting to play with older friends or are graded that way. If this is the case, please ensure you select the appropriate age group when registering. **

A player cannot register into an age group younger than themselves.

For All Age teams, a player must be turning 18 or above during the year in order to qualify.

For O35, O45, and O50 age groups, the player must have turned 35, 45, or 50 respectively before the 1st of January.

You can use the table below as a guide:

Age turning during the calendar year Age Group to register in
Special Needs Players ALL ABILITIES PROGRAM (ages 5-23) – Football4All
4 or 5 TINY TIGERS
6 6 MIXED / 6 GIRLS
7 7 MIXED / 7 GIRLS
8 8 MIXED / 8 GIRLS
9 9 MIXED / 9 GIRLS
10 10 MIXED / 10 GIRLS
11 11 MIXED / 11 GIRLS
12 12 MIXED / 12 GIRLS
13 13 MIXED / 13 GIRLS
14 14 BOYS / 14 GIRLS
15 15 BOYS / 15 GIRLS or 16 GIRLS or U19 WOMEN
16 16 BOYS / 16 GIRLS or U19 WOMEN
17 18 BOYS / U19 WOMEN
18 18 BOYS or U21 MEN or ALL AGE MEN / U19 WOMEN or ALL AGE WOMEN
19 U21 MEN or ALL AGE MEN / U19 WOMEN or ALL AGE WOMEN
20-21 U21 MEN or ALL AGE MEN / ALL AGE WOMEN
22+ ALL AGE MEN / ALL AGE WOMEN
36+ ALL AGE MEN or O35 MEN / ALL AGE WOMEN or O35 WOMEN
46+ (Male) ALL AGE MEN or O35 MEN or O45 MEN
51+ (Male) ALL AGE MEN or O35 MEN or O45 MEN or O50 MEN
Age turning during the calendar year
Special Needs Children
Age Group to register in
ALL ABILITIES PROGRAM (ages 5-23) – Football4All
Age turning during the calendar year
4 or 5
Age Group to register in
TINY TIGERS
Age turning during the calendar year
6
Age Group to register in
6 MIXED / 6 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
7
Age Group to register in
7 MIXED / 7 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
8
Age Group to register in
8 MIXED / 8 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
9
Age Group to register in
9 MIXED / 9 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
10
Age Group to register in
10 MIXED / 10 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
11
Age Group to register in
11 MIXED / 11 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
12
Age Group to register in
12 MIXED / 12 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
13
Age Group to register in
13 MIXED / 13 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
14
Age Group to register in
14 BOYS / 14 GIRLS
Age turning during the calendar year
15
Age Group to register in
15 BOYS / 15 GIRLS or 16 GIRLS or U19 WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
16
Age Group to register in
16 BOYS / 16 GIRLS or?U19 WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
17
Age Group to register in
18 BOYS / U19 WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
18
Age Group to register in
18 BOYS or U21 MEN or ALL AGE MEN / U19 WOMEN or ALL AGE WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
19
Age Group to register in
U21 MEN or ALL AGE MEN / U19 WOMEN or ALL AGE WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
20-21
Age Group to register in
U21 MEN or ALL AGE MEN / ALL AGE WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
22+
Age Group to register in
ALL AGE MEN / ALL AGE WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
36+
Age Group to register in
ALL AGE MENN or O35 MEN / ALL AGE WOMEN or O35 WOMEN
Age turning during the calendar year
46+ (Male)
Age Group to register in
ALL AGE MEN or O35 MEN or O45 MEN
Age turning during the calendar year
51+ (Male)
Age Group to register in
ALL AGE MEN or O35 MEN or O45 MEN or O50 MEN

During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to add a comment to specify which team or friends you (or your child) would like to play with. This will be taken into account when the Age Coordinator is putting the teams together (please note this only applies for non-graded teams). Please note that although we do all we can, not all requests can be accommodated.

You can also contact your Age Coordinator directly to let them know of your preferences.

Graded players must register with the club by the dates noted below to prioritise holding their place with the club. Players must meet the requirements below :


Returning Players

  • Returning players that meet the following criteria are prioritised but not guaranteed a place in a team in the new season:
    • if you played with the club in the previous season (including if they had to withdraw during the previous season due to injury)
    • complete registration and payment by February 1
      • If registration is not completed (including payment) by February 1, returning players will rank equally with new players


Graded Players

  • Graded players will have been offered a position in a Graded Team by the Registrar, Technical Director, and/or Development Committee
  • Graded players must complete their registration by January 22 otherwise their position on a Graded team may be withdrawn
  • New players who do not take up their offer to join a Graded Team will be subject to the same rules of registration as any other new player

Players are considered new if they have never registered with Balmain DFC before, or did not play for Balmain DFC in the previous season. Players that registered and paid the previous season but had to subsequently withdraw due to injury are considered as returning.

New players must consult with their Age Coordinators to determine team placement. A personal invitation from a Coach, Manager, or other parents does not guarantee placement into a team.

Note that new players may not be able to be fitted into a team (or into a team that is desired), so please consider your options if you or your child are waitlisted or are advised that places are limited. New players may be considered on various factors for any available places.

Players who have registered but not paid will not be assured of a place in a team until full payment is received.

Football NSW and Football Canterbury rules state that a player can only register with one club, and only one team within that club, per winter season. We understand how some players would relish the chance to play even more football every weekend (who wouldn’t!), but unfortunately we cannot accommodate multiple registrations for a single player.

If they are invited to, players are allowed to fill in (be ‘borrowed’) for another team if they are short on players for a particular match. There are strict rules and eligibility policies around the borrowing of players – the Team Manager and/or your Age Coordinator will be aware of these and will advise accordingly if this situation arises. Breaching these rules can lead to subtantial sanctions and fines.

Family Discount

The Club provides a family discount of $50 per child for the registration of second and subsequent siblings. To qualify, all siblings must be registered in the U6 to U18 age groups.

Apply for Family Discount.

Student Rebate and Senior Discount

The club provides a $50 rebate or discount to enrolled full-time students (18+) and players aged 67 or over (prior to 1st January) who have paid the full adult registration fee.

Apply for the Student Rebate or the Senior Player Discount.

To withdraw from the competition and request a registration refund, send an e-mail to registrar@balmainfootball.com.au. The club will provide refunds in some situations.

The club will provide a full refund of the registration fee if a playing member cannot be placed in a team for that season.

When members withdraw their registration, they may also be eligible for a refund.? The amount of the refund is based on the request date of the withdrawal.

Request Date for Refund Refund Amount **
By January 31 Full refund less uniform cost if the player has ordered a club-funded kit.
By February 28 Registration fee less a $35 administration charge and the uniform cost if the player has ordered a club-funded kit.
By March 31 Registration fee less a $70 administration charge and the uniform cost if the player has ordered a club-funded kit.
From April 1 or after Round 1 (whichever is the earlier) No refunds
Request Date for Refund
By?January 31
Refund Amount **
Full refund less uniform cost if the player has ordered a club-funded kit.
Request Date for Refund
By?February 28
Refund Amount **
Registration fee less a $35 administration charge and the uniform cost if the player has ordered a club-funded kit.
Request Date for Refund
By?March 31
Refund Amount **
Registration fee less a $70 administration charge and the uniform cost if the player has ordered a club-funded kit.
Request Date for Refund
From April 1 or after Round 1 (whichever is the earlier)
Refund Amount **
No refunds

The official date used to determine a refund is the date of the email sent to the Club Registrar.

** The Active Creative Kids Voucher portion of fees is not refundable and cannot be transferred or otherwise reimbursed

Yes, the club does consider hardship situations and may offer a payment plan or waiver of part or all registration fees for those in genuine financial need. Applications should be submitted to the club Treasurer at treasurer@balmainfootball.com.au.