Football
Introduction
Football is a very popular sport at Auckland Grammar School and students are keen to participate in the sport at both a competitive and social level. The opportunity to play against teams from other schools is an exciting opportunity for our students to develop their collaborative skills outside of the classroom, and make new friends with students from other form groups along the way.
The School’s top teams (the 1st XI and the A grade sides) have seen great success in the School’s long history. Many students have gone on to play at a professional level and for the All Whites, such as our previous 1st XI coach, Old Boy Kris Bright ’00, and this is a trait we are keen to continue seeing.
Over the course of the season teams compete various annual exchanges with other high schools, regional competitions and national competitions.
2022 Captain of the 1st XI Football team Thomas Holmes has been playing since he was six years old, and has moved up through the various grades the School has to offer since Form 3. He spoke with Headmaster’s Heritage Committee leader Vishwas Iyer about his future aspirations which include representing New Zealand and playing for the All Whites – watch his full interview below.
Please find below some information and answers to frequently asked questions.
When is football played? During Terms 2 and Term 3
What football teams are available at each year level?
- Form 3: 13A1, 13A2, 13B1 and 13B2 (11-aside)
- Form 4: 14A1, 14A2, 14B1 and 14B2 (11-aside)
- Form 5: 15A1 and 15A2 (11-aside)
- Form 3, 4 and 5 Social football, an in-house tournament played on the Grammar fields (7-aside)
- Forms 6 and 7: 1st, 2nd or 3rd XI (if you are successful at the trial)
- Forms 6 and 7: Senior Social football (11-aside)
Do I need to trial to play 11-aside football? Yes. All students need to come to the trial process so that we can see you are committed to playing the sport over the season, and allocate you to the right team for your ability level
Do I have to trial if I just want to play 7-aside social football? No. You need to get together with a group of like-minded friends and register a team at the appropriate year level. However, you must ensure that none of your team members are in the A1 team. If they do make it, you can replace them at a later date by letting G. Maguire know
When are football trials for the 1st XI and A grade teams? 1st XI trials are held in Week 9 or Week 10 of Term 1
Where can I find information on the trial dates? On this page below. Also, listen to notices in assembly. Information about successful students at trials will be posted on the Football page of GrammarNet
If I don’t make an A grade or 1st to 3rd XI team, what happens next? You can still play Football at the School – don’t worry!
- Students in Forms 3, 4 and 5:you need to get together as a group of friends who want to play and register a team for the School 7-aside social league. These games will be held on the lower fields one weeknight after school. You are free to make up your own team based on players from your year level, as long as they are not in the A1 team
- Senior students: you will need to get together as a group of friends who want to play and register a team for the 11-aside Senior C league that play on Saturday mornings. Listen out for a meeting and further information regarding this as you will need a parent manager
If I don’t make the A1 grade team what can I do? The main thing is to show how determined you are. Sometimes students are unsuccessful as they may not trial particularly well on the day. If this is the case, you need to work hard in training, and play well in your fixtures to show your coach what you can do
We are constantly asking coaches about how their teams are doing, and if there are stand out players we may have missed, so it is crucial your attitude and effort is of the highest standard in order to be recognised
What time is kick-off on game days?
- Saturday mornings: Juniors (Forms 3 and 4) kick off at 9am; Seniors (Forms 5, 6, and 7) will play Saturdays at 10am
- The 1st XI team will usually play Friday night on the artificial turf, sometimes at midday on the No. 1 field
- Please check College Sport for fixtures (Friday evening is best, as College Sport can make last minute changes)
When will my practice be? Once students are allocated into teams, the coach will call a meeting with all players and explain where and when training will be. This will normally be either before or after School
Students in the A1 and A2 Grade may train twice a week for the first few weeks, and then once a week with a second training session if necessary. This will be in the morning and/or after school on the lower School fields. B Grade sides train once a week at the Domain.
What do I need to play? Boots, shin guards, and playing uniform
How much does Football cost? Cost of uniform available from the School Shop and a $50 levy per player
If I make the A2 or B1 team, and want to play social football, do I have to pay twice? No, however you must ensure the social games do not clash with your A2 or B1 grade training
Where can I check who and what time I am playing against? Click here and select your grade
What if I am ill or cannot make training? It is your responsibility to send your apologies to your coach. By not turning up for training can often mean you will not necessarily start the game on the Saturday
What if I am ill or cannot make the game? You must let either your coach, team captain or another player know by phone or email
Conduct during the game: We expect all students to behave in The Grammar Way – we do not argue decisions with the referee, coach or any member of the public. Students must conduct themselves in the best possible manner and not bring the school into disrepute
Anyone who is found to be disruptive during the games, or causing any offence, will be subject to further punishment, and in some circumstance’s expulsion from their team.
Game Time: For students in A grade teams, a maximum of four substitutions are permitted. It is possible that a student in an A grade team may not get much game time, but the coach will endeavour to give each student an opportunity where possible
For students in B1 grade teams, a maximum of five rolling substitutions are permitted each game and each player in the team is expected to get some game time.
All students are requested to abstain from any verbal abuse towards the referee or opposition during the game, and should simply applaud any such behaviour directed at the Grammar team.
Coaching staff: the 1st XI team is coached by D. Warburton
Master in Charge: S. Keshwara. Students are able to speak to him in the Science department during the School day or contact him via email.