Frequently Asked Questions.

Registrations for the 2026 season open on 2 January 2026.

Our primary communication channels are Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

• Facebook: Follow our official page for key updates before and during the season:
  https://www.facebook.com/stpatricksfcsutherland
  (Used for important but not urgent updates, such as season news, events, and general announcements)

• Instagram: Follow us for photos, videos, and news:
  https://www.instagram.com/

• WhatsApp: Used to broadcast urgent messages to coaches and team managers, such as wet weather notifications, field changes, last-minute cancellations, or emergencies.

You can also visit our website for general information, committee details, grading updates, and resources: https://www.stpatricksfc.com.au

If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us at: executive@stpatricksfc.com.au

The Winter 2026 season begins on Saturday 28 March 2026 and runs for 18 rounds, concluding on Saturday 1 August 2026.

• Under 6 to Under 11: There are no finals for these age groups.

• Under 12 and above: Teams participate in finals, subject to SSFA qualification rules.

Finals schedule for Winter 2026:

• Semi Finals: 8 & 9 August 2026

• Finals: 15 & 16 August 2026

• Grand Finals: 22 & 23 August 2026

Finals venues, match times, and eligibility are determined by the Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) and will be communicated through team managers and club channels closer to the end of the regular season.

The official season calendar is available on the SSFA website: https://www.shirefootball.com.au

Yes. Matches are played during school holidays.
The only weekend with no football is Easter.

• MiniRoos and Junior games are generally played on Saturdays

• All other age groups play on Sundays.

• Teams play both home and away fixtures

• Kick-off times vary by age group and venue. For example, Under 6 games often start around 8:00am, but times may vary.

Home grounds

• Forest Road Oval, Kirrawee

• Waratah Oval, Sutherland

Away games

• Played at other club grounds within the SSFA district

Most teams train once per week.

• Training is held during the week at Kirrawee Oval (Forest Road) or Waratah Oval Sutherland

• Each team’s coach or manager submits a training request prior to the season

• Final training days and times are communicated directly by the team coach or manager

Each team requires at least two parent volunteers:

• Coach

• Team Manager

Coach responsibilities

• Deliver fun, safe, and engaging training sessions

• Support player development and enjoyment

• No prior coaching experience is required

Coaching resources are available at:
https://www.stpatricksfc.com.au/miniroo-coaching-resources

Team Manager responsibilities

• Coordinate team communications

• Organise duty rosters

• Complete match sheets

• Support the coach on game days

Yes. One evening prior to the season kick-off, the club holds a Coaches and Managers Meeting.

• All team coaches and managers (or team representative) are expected to attend.

• The meeting provides up-to-date information, including:

  • Season schedule and draw

  • Club policies and procedures

  • Team duties and rosters

  • Safety, first aid, and match day guidelines

  • Any other updates from the club executive

This meeting ensures coaches and managers are fully prepared to lead their teams, communicate with parents, and deliver a fun and safe experience for all players.

St Patrick’s FC is a 100% volunteer-run club.

All families are expected to assist with team duty at home games, which may include:

• Canteen

• BBQ

• Ground set-up and pack-down

Duty is only rostered when your team has a home game and is typically no more than one hour.

No experience is required. Guidance will be provided.

Yes. Parents must supervise their children at all times.
Children must not be dropped off or left unattended at training or games.

MiniRoos & Junior teams

• Under 6 & 7:

  • 4 players on the field

  • Maximum 7 players per team

• Under 8 & 9:

  • 7 players on the field

  • Maximum 11 players per team

• Under 10 & 11:

  • 9 players on the field

  • Maximum 13 players per team

• Under 12 and above:

  • 11 players on the field

  • Maximum 18 players per team

Senior and over-age team roster sizes are set in line with SSFA regulations.

For individual friend requests, a parent from each family must email junior.registrar@stpatricksfc.com.au (or one parent may email on behalf of both families with the other parent cc’d). Full team requests must be submitted using the U6/U7 Team Request Form and returned to the Club Registrars by Wednesday 19 February 2026.

Match durations are set by the Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) and apply to mixed, men’s, and women’s competitions.

Duration of matches by age group

• Under 6 & Under 7: 2 × 20-minute halves

• Under 8 & Under 9: 2 × 20-minute halves

• Under 10 & Under 11: 2 × 25-minute halves

• Under 12: 2 × 25-minute halves

• Under 13 & Under 14: 2 × 30-minute halves

• Under 15 & Under 16: 2 × 35-minute halves

• Under 17: 2 × 40-minute halves

• Under 18 to Under 21: 2 × 45-minute halves

• All Age: 2 × 45-minute halves

• Over 30: 2 × 45-minute halves

• Over 35: 2 × 45-minute halves

• Over 40: 2 × 45-minute halves

• Over 45: 2 × 45-minute halves

There is a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.

Full details are available in the SSFA Rules & Regulations:
https://www.shirefootball.com.au/rules-and-regulations

Players must purchase:

• Club shorts

• Club socks

These are available only from the club. Uniform shop opening times are advertised on Facebook during pre-season. EFTPOS is available.

Players must also purchase independently:

• Soccer boots

• Shin pads (mandatory for all games and strongly recommended for training)

Jerseys

• Supplied by the club

• Issued via the coach or manager

• Must be returned at the end of the season

Jewellery, watches, and hard hair accessories are not permitted during games or training.

Each team is supplied with a kit bag and equipment.

If purchasing your own ball:

• Under 6-9: Size 3

• Under 10-13: Size 4

• Under 14 and above: Size 5

Our aim is for players to enjoy football while developing skills, confidence, and friendships in a positive and supportive environment.

Under 6 & Under 7

• Friend requests are prioritised where possible

• Requests must be submitted at the time of registration

Friend requests are accommodated subject to:

• Early submission

• Balanced team numbers

• The overall player experience

Under 8 and above

• Team formation may consider player ability and development needs

• Where there are multiple teams in an age group, grading may be used to group players of similar ability

• Grading is intended to support development, confidence, and enjoyment of the game

Where there are two or more teams in an age group, grading may be introduced to group players of similar ability.

Grading is more common when:

• Field size increases

• Player numbers increase
  (for example Under 8, Under 10, Under 12)

Grading decisions are made in the best interests of player development and are final.

Children must be turning five at any time during 2026 to register.

We do not have a dedicated pre-school program. However, players who are turning five years old at any time in 2026 are eligible to play in our Under 6 age group.

To help new players get started, we also run a Come and Try Day for Under 6s and Under 7s:

• Children can participate in fun games and basic football activities led by qualified coaches and volunteers.

• Parents are encouraged to stay, observe, and assist.

• No prior football experience is required.

• Dates, times, and locations are advertised via the club website, Facebook, and team communications.

Come and Try Day is a great way for children to meet new friends, experience football, and get comfortable with the club before the season begins.

If your child has not previously played football in the SSFA, you may be required to present:

• Proof of date of birth (birth certificate or passport)

• Proof of residency within the Sutherland Shire

Details will be communicated during registration.

Yes. NSW families can use Active Kids vouchers to reduce registration costs for eligible children.

• Vouchers can be applied during registration.

• Parents must have their voucher number ready at checkout.

If you are registering three or more family members (same immediate family, living in the same household), you may be entitled to a family discount.

• Parents must request a discount code before starting registration by emailing the relevant registrar:

  • Junior Registrar (for U6-U16 players): junior.registrar@stpatricksfc.com.au

  • Senior Registrar (for U18 and above): senior.registrar@stpatricksfc.com.au

• The discount code can then be applied at checkout during registration.

• The discount cannot be applied retrospectively.

• Registrations open before the season via PlayFootball

• Dates are announced on Facebook and the club website

• Late registrations may be accepted subject to availability and SSFA deadlines

All players must be registered to be insured and eligible to play.

Yes - only SSFA approved sports (safety) glasses are permitted. Regular prescription glasses are not allowed; players may only wear soft, flexible sports goggles secured with a strap and free from hard or sharp components. Glasses must be approved by SSFA each season (and shown in the registration photo), and the referee has final discretion on match day.

Field closures are determined by Council and SSFA.

• Updates are communicated via Facebook and team messages

• Decisions may be made on the morning of games

• Always assume games are on unless advised otherwise by your team manager

Washed-out games may be rescheduled where possible, subject to SSFA scheduling and ground availability.

MiniRoos: Games are led by club-appointed Game Leaders or trained volunteers, following SSFA guidelines.

Junior & Senior competitions: Matches are officiated by referees accredited through the Sutherland Shire Referees Association (SSRA), in accordance with SSFA rules.

Yes! Children aged 13 years and above can participate as MiniRoo Game Leaders, helping to officiate games for younger age groups.

• MiniRoo Game Leaders gain experience in leadership, decision-making, and understanding the rules of football.

• Training and guidance are provided by the club to ensure Game Leaders are confident and supported.

• The club will schedule Game Leaders on appropriate age group matches based on availability and readiness.

• Parents are encouraged to support their child in this role and assist where necessary during games.

If your child is interested, please contact the MiniRoo coordinator at miniroocoord.stpatricksfc@gmail.com for more information on training and scheduling.

All parents and spectators are expected to be:

• Positive

• Respectful

• Supportive

Sideline coaching and referee interaction are not permitted.

Any concerns should be raised privately with the team manager or club executive.

St Patrick’s FC has zero tolerance for bullying, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour.

A Club Code of Conduct applies to all players, parents, and officials and must be accepted as part of registration. Breaches are taken seriously and managed by the Club Executive.

Basic first aid is available at home grounds.
Parents remain responsible for medical care and should advise coaches of any medical conditions or allergies.

The end-of-year Presentation Day celebrates the achievements of players, coaches, and volunteers across all teams.

• Details, including date, time, and venue, will be shared closer to the end of the season.

• Players may receive medals, certificates, or awards recognising participation, skill development, and sportsmanship.

• Jerseys must be returned to coaches or managers at the conclusion of the season.

• Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate the season together.

Team photo days are scheduled each season to capture official team and individual player photos.

• Dates and times are announced prior to the event via Facebook, team communications, and the club website.

• Players should arrive in full club uniform.

• Coaches and managers will coordinate teams and assist photographers on the day.

• Photos are available for purchase from the official photography provider.

We welcome support of all kinds, including:

• Game day assistance

• Set-up and pack-down

• Committee and executive roles

If you’d like to get involved or share ideas, please email executive@stpatricksfc.com.au or use the Contact Us form on our website.

Yes! St Patrick’s Football Club welcomes support from local businesses. Sponsorship helps the club provide equipment, maintain facilities, and keep registration fees affordable for our players.

Opportunities include:

• Team or club sponsorship (jerseys, training gear, or equipment)

• Event sponsorship (presentation days, tournaments, or special events)

• In-kind support (supplies or services)

If your business is interested in sponsoring the club or a specific team, please email executive@stpatricksfc.com.au or use the Contact Us form on our website.

Sponsors are recognised on club materials, social media, and at events, helping to promote your business within the local community.

Your team manager is your first point of contact.
For broader enquiries, please email executive@stpatricksfc.com.au or use the Contact Us form on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to St Patrick’s Football Club for the 2026 season.