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Transitioning to 11v11 (Full field)

📣  Attention all U13 Mixed and U13 Girls Coaches!  📣

⚽️ Leveling Up: From 9 v 9 to 11 v 11 ⚽️

The jump to the full-sized pitch is one of the most exciting—and challenging—milestones in a young player’s journey. To ensure you and your players hit the ground running, we are hosting a dedicated webinar for teams transitioning to the 11v11 format.

We know the bigger pitch means more than just extra players; it’s a whole new tactical world. This session is designed to give you the blueprint for success.

🧠   What We’ll Cover:
✅   The Big Changes: A breakdown of the key rule shifts (yes, including offsides!)
✅   Training with Space: How to adapt your sessions for a larger pitch and more players
✅   Match Day: Managing substitutions, positioning, and the 11v11 flow
✅   Pro Tips: Practical advice for high-impact practices that translate to game day.

🔗  Microsoft Teams Meeting Link: Transition to 11v11
📅  Date: Thursday 26th March
⏰  Time: 8pm-8:30pm

Let’s make this season the best one yet. See you there, Coach!  📋🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

#YouthCoaching #11v11 #U13 #CoachDevelopment #GrassrootsFootball

BDFC Induction Day

🧡  🖤  🧡  🖤

Ready to kick off the season with confidence? Whether you’re a first-time Game Leader/ Volunteer Coach/Manager or a seasoned veteran, our Induction Day is designed to give you the tools and skills you need to lead your team to success.
Save the date and join us for a day of hands-on learning with practical sessions!
📅  Saturday, 28th March
📍  Waterfront Drive Sporting Ground, Callan Park

📋  FOR COACHES AND MANAGERS

🚑 12:00pm | First Aid Basics + Defib Training
Learn to handle common football injuries and master the life-saving skill of using a defib with Genevieve Gardner.

🗣 FOR COACHES

Level up your leadership with insights from our Technical Director, Radim (UEFA A Licence, FA GK B), and General Manager, Angelo (FA A Diploma).
1:00pm | Workshop Session 1 (Pick one)
▶  Managing Behaviour (with Radim) – For U8-U16 teams
▶  Football Team Building (with Angelo) – For U8-U16 teams
2:00pm | Workshop Session 2 (Pick one)
▶  Rules of Small Sided Games (with Radim) – For U8-U16 teams
▶  Developing YOUR Playing Style (with Angelo) Aimed for U8+ teams

🔗  Register for any of the above workshops here

🏁  FOR GAME LEADERS (Ages 11-14)

Whether you’re starting your journey or coming back for another season, these sessions are mandatory to keep our standards high!
11:00am – 12:15pm | Game Leader Onboarding
Perfect for anyone new who wants to start officiating.
12:45pm – 1:45pm | Game Leader Refresher
For returning game leaders (required every 2 years per Football Canterbury).

🔗  Register to attend a Game Leader Workshop

 

🐯 FOR TINY TIGERS PARENTS & PITCH MANAGERS

11:00am | Pitch Managers Induction Managing a group of 5-year-olds is an art form! This workshop is designed to help you:

  • Set clear expectations for players and parents 📣
  • Use appropriate coaching language for the “Tigers” age group
  • Understand session structures and the best ways to deliver them so the kids stay engaged and have fun! 🧒

🔗 Register for the above workshops here

🏁 FOR U6 & U7 COACHES

12:00pm | U6 & U7 Coaches Induction Transitioning into organized play? This session covers the essentials of our junior format:

  • Hub Training: Learn how to run effective training in hubs 🏟️
  • Session Structure: How to organize your time on the pitch
  • Engagement: Proven methods to communicate with and motivate young players. 🗣️

🔗 Register for the above workshops here

Goalkeeper Camp

🧤 JULY 2026 GOALKEEPER CAMPS 🧤

REGISTRATIONS OPEN SOON!

Calling all shot-stoppers! If you’re ready to dive, catch, and command your area, our Goalkeeper Holiday Camps are the place to be this April. We’re offering specialized coaching designed specifically for the “Number 1s” who want to take their game to the next level.

From fundamentals to high-pressure match scenarios, this is a full day dedicated to the art of goalkeeping.

🗓️ CAMP SCHEDULE

Where: Waterfront Drive Sporting Ground

Times: 9:00am – 3:00pm (Full Day)

Cost: $90 per day

Week 1: TBC

Week 2: TBC

 

🎯WHAT TO EXPECT

Our Goalkeeper Coach will adapt activities based on experience level, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll be challenged. The day is split into three focused blocks:

  • Block 1: The Fundamentals – Mastering handling, footwork, and positioning.
  • Block 2: The Action – Intense shot-stopping drills, diving techniques, and distribution games.
  • Block 3: The Big Game – Put your skills to the test! Keepers join the regular camp players for match-style activities and the end-of-day tournament.

 

✅ WHO CAN JOIN?

  • Ages: Boys and girls aged 8–13.
  • Level: Beginners looking to try the gloves for the first time through to experienced keepers wanting to sharpen their skills.
  • Approach: Players will be split into groups based on ability to ensure everyone gets the right level of coaching.

 

🚨 DON’T MISS OUT

Registrations open in February. Spaces for goalkeepers are strictly limited to ensure quality coaching time, so make sure you’re ready to secure your spot!

REGISTER NOW

Intensive Development Camp

⚡️ INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT CAMP ⚡️

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Are you a motivated player looking to sharpen your edge these school holidays? Our Intensive Development Camp is designed for players who want more than just a kick-around. This is a high-performance environment built on discipline, focus, and technical excellence.

If you’re ready to put in the work, we’re ready to help you unlock your full potential.

🎯 WHAT TO EXPECT

This isn’t a “games” camp—it’s a training camp. Expect a professional atmosphere where the focus is on:

  • Technical Repetition: Mastering core skills through high-volume drills.

  • Detail-Oriented Coaching: Receive direct feedback and corrections to perfect your technique.

  • High Intensity: Replicating a professional academy environment.

  • Skill-Based Grouping: Players are grouped by ability, not friendships, ensuring everyone is appropriately challenged.

🗓️ THE DETAILS

Where: Waterfront Drive Sporting Ground

Cost: $45 per session

Week 1 – Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 JULY

Week 2 – Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 JULY

Groups – U10–U13 @ 9:00am – 11:00am / U14–U16 @ 11:30am – 1:30pm

🙌 IS THIS CAMP FOR YOU?

We are looking for boys and girls aged 10–16 who meet the following criteria:

  • Currently playing in Division 1 or 2 or a Development Program.

  • Possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to be pushed outside their comfort zone.

  • Committed to staying engaged and respectful to coaches and teammates.

  • Ready to accept feedback and apply it instantly.

🚨 SECURE YOUR SPOT

Spaces for these intensive sessions are strictly limited to ensure high-quality coaching ratios. Don’t wait until the holidays to start improving—start now!

REGISTER NOW

Mentor Our Game Leaders

⚽ LOVE FOOTBALL? MENTOR OUR GAME LEADERS! ⚽

Balmain DFC is calling for volunteers to become Game Leader Mentors and support our junior referees on Saturday and Sunday mornings!
Our Game Leaders (aged 11-14) are learning the ropes, and we want to ensure they have a positive, safe, and encouraging environment to grow into the referees of tomorrow.

What does a Mentor do❓

▶ Be a Safety Net: Stand by our junior Game Leaders to offer guidance and support.
▶ Keep it Positive: Step in if you hear inappropriate language or behaviour from the sidelines.
▶ Coach the Rules: Help clarify rulings for coaches or spectators who might be confused.
▶ The De-Brief: Chat with the GL after the game to celebrate their wins and identify areas for improvement.

The Details:

✅ Must be 18+ with a valid WWCC.
✅ Must attend a BDFC Game Leader course before the season.
✅ Ideally available Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Help us turn “timid and shy” into “confident and clear.” Let’s make every match a great experience for the players AND the officials.

Ready to help?

📧 Email us at gameleader@balmainfootball.com.au or register your EOI via the link below:

Become a Referee

Ever thought about seeing the pitch from a different perspective? Whether you’re a player looking to master the laws of the game or want a way to stay fit and give back to the football community, the Canterbury Referees Association (CRA) wants you!
BDFC is calling on all members aged 14+ with a passion for the world game to join the refereeing ranks for the 2026 season.

🎁 BDFC OFFER TO MEMBERS

We want to support our members in becoming officials. That’s why we’re offering a full reimbursement of your CRA course, uniform, and referee registration fees:
▶ 50% of the fees back: After you complete the CRA course and register as a referee for the 2026 season.
▶ Remaining 50% back: When you register to referee with the CRA again for the 2027 season.

🗓️ COURSE DETAILS

When: Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where (Theory): Wharf Road Community Recreational Hall, Callan Park, Lilyfield
Where (Practical): Waterfront Drive Sporting Field, Callan Park, Lilyfield (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
CRA welcomes all experience levels! It’s a great way to earn some extra pocket money, build leadership skills, and stay right in the thick of the action.

🔗 READY TO SIGN UP?

Head over to the CRA website for more info and to secure your spot:

Winter Training Programs

BDFC’s Winter Training Programs are officially OPEN for registration! ❄️⚽️

Whether you’re a Tiny Tiger just starting out or a seasoned player looking to sharpen your skills, we have a program for every age and skill level. Check out the lineup below and secure your spot for a massive winter season!

🤝 Team Training Program (U8–U19)

Get tailored sessions delivered by a qualified BDFC coach to get your team match-ready.
WHEN: Tuesday or Thursday timeslots
DURATION: 15 weeks (Starts April 21/23)

🚀 Player Pathway Program (U6–U13)

Focused on individual skill development for boys and girls looking to take their game to the next level.
WHEN: Tuesdays or Thursdays
DURATION: 15 weeks (Starts April 21/23)

🐯 MiniRoos Kick-Off & MiniTillies (Ages 4–5)

Perfect for our “Tiny Tigers.” Fun, engaging, and structured sessions to build a love for the game.
WHEN: Tues or Thurs, 4:00pm
DURATION: 15 weeks (Starts April 21/23)

👟 Women Who Kick (Ages 16+)

Formerly our Women’s Summer Social program! Whether you’re brand new or returning to the pitch, join us for a fun, social way to stay active this winter.
WHEN: Tuesday nights, 7:15pm
DURATION: 15 weeks (Starts April 21)

🧤 Goalkeeper Development Program (Ages 8–16)

Specific training for the shot-stoppers, led by qualified GK coaches.
WHEN: Wednesdays or Thursdays
DURATION: 18 weeks (Starts March 18/19)

⚠️ Don’t wait! Spots fill up fast. Head to the links above to register quickly and avoid disappointment.

Registrations OPEN for U18 Boys, U19 Girls, and U21 Men PL Pathway Trials!

Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Registrations are officially open for our U18 Boys, U19 Girls, and U21 Mens Premier League Pathway teams!

When

U18 Boys (Born 2008 – 2010)
📅 Feb 4th & Feb 11th
U19 Girls (Born 2007 – 2010)
📅 Feb 4th & Feb 14th
U21 Men (Born 2005 – 2008)
📅 Feb 11th & Feb 14th

 

Where

 

How

👉 Register now via the links below to trial for your spot!

🔗 U18 Boys – REGISTER HERE!
🔗 U19 Girls – REGISTER HERE!
🔗 U21 Men – REGISTER HERE!

Waterfront All-Weather Field Proposal – Have Your Say

Waterfront Field 2 Design

This is a critical moment for our club, as well as the wider football community. It will provide an all-weather field that will help accomodate current and future player numbers.

The Development Application to upgrade Field 2 at the Waterfront Playing Fields, Callan Park, in now on public exhibition.

The design of the new field is outstanding! It features the very latest in technology, drainage and safety to create a genuine year-round, climate-resilient surface.

Get the facts on exactly what’s proposed from heritage, environment and design experts, plus what you can do to help support this important initiative: Waterfront All-Weather Field DA Now on Exhibition – Balmain & District Football Club

Pre-season Football Programs

Wondering what to do in January and February?
To kickstart 2026, we have programs for every age, skill level, and goal – from fun holiday camps to intensive pre-season preparation! Whether you’re a beginner, a competitive player, or just looking for a social kick-around, we have you covered.
Registrations are OPEN NOW! Spaces are limited in all specialist programs, so don’t delay!

JANUARY: School Holiday Camps

Keep the energy high with our fun and focused holiday camps!
For more information, go to: https://www.balmainfootball.com.au/school-holiday-camps-girls-and-mixed/

FEBRUARY: Pre-Season & Social Programs

Get match-fit and game-ready for the winter season or join our social programs!
Find your perfect program and register today!
Balmain DFC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands we play on, the Gadigal-Wangal people of the Eora Nation
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