Essendon Royals 2024 Community Team Trials Schedule
The Essendon Royals are delighted to announce dates for our Community Football Program trials.
The Royals have received a record number of Expressions of Interest this season, with over 800 EOIs received for Community Football alone with a marked increase in the number of EOIs from female players and a surge in the number of boys seeking to join the club.
With the Royals catering to over 900 players across our entire program, it is simply impossible for the Royals to offer a spot to every prospective player and as such a trial process will be conducted.
The Royals will prioritise the selection of existing members first and foremost (with A-level or Kanga-level teams the exception, where selections are based on talent), meaning that spots are limited.
The Club has also had to consolidate the number of teams it fields in our 9v9 and 11v11 Juniors, meaning that not every Royals player can be guaranteed a spot.
COMMUNITY BOYS TRIALS
Please see all Community Boys trial dates below.
📍 Location: Ormond Park
📅 Dates: Starting from 11th October
| Age Group | Eligibility | Date 1 | Time 1 | Date 2 | Time 2 | Location |
| U7 (2017-2018 born) | All Kick-Starters and External Players | 12/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | 20/10, 23/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | Ormond Park |
| U8 (2016 born) | External Players | 16/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | 25/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | Ormond Park |
| U9 (2015 born) | Current Royals Blue, Red, Black & external players | 18/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | 26/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | Ormond Park |
| U10 (2014 born) | Current Royals Red, Black & external players | 19/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | 27/10 | 5.30-6.30pm | Ormond Park |
| U11 (2013 born) | External players | 12/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 18/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U12 (2012 born) | Current Royals Red, Black & external players | 11/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 19/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U13 (2011 born) | External players | 16/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 20/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U14 (2010 born) | Current Royals Red, Black & external players | 26/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 30/10 | 5.30-6.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U15 (2009 born) | All current Royals & external players | 27/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 31/10 | 5.30-6.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U16 (2008 born) | All current Royals & external players | 23/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 02/11 | 5.30-6.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U17 (2007 born) | All current Royals & external players | 25/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 03/11 | 5.30-6.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U18 (2006 born) | All current Royals & external players | 31/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 03/11 | 6.45-7.45pm | Ormond Park |
| U21 (2003-2005 born) | All current Royals & external players | 30/10 | 6.45-7.45pm | 02/11 | 6.45-7.45pm | Ormond Park |
Please note: U7 trials will be conducted over three dates. The second two dates are listed in the Date 2 column.
COMMUNITY GIRLS TRIALS
Please see all Community Girls trial dates below.
📍 Locations: Ormond Park & Maribyrnong College
📅 Dates: Starting from 17th October
| Date | Age Group | Time | Location |
| Tuesdays | |||
| Oct 17, 24, 31 | 8-9s | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | Ormond Park |
| Oct 17, 24, 31 | 10-11s | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | Ormond Park |
| Oct 17, 24, 31 | 12-13s | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | Ormond Park |
| Oct 17, 24, 31 | 14-16s | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | Ormond Park |
| Thursdays | |||
| Oct 19, 26, Nov 2 | 8-9s | 6:00pm – 7:15pm | Maribyrnong College |
| Oct 19, 26, Nov 2 | 10-11s | 6:00pm – 7:15pm | Maribyrnong College |
| Oct 19, 26, Nov 2 | 12-13s | 6:00pm – 7:15pm | Maribyrnong College |
| Oct 19, 26, Nov 2 | 14-16s | 6:00pm – 7:15pm | Maribyrnong College |
Here’s what you need to know:
Trials are open to both current Royals players and external players:
- Trials are overseen by our licensed Technical Directors and a selection of our Community Team coaches
- Players should attend all trial sessions advertised for their age group. Not attending all sessions will put players at a disadvantage compared to the players who do.
- Parents are to stay behind the fences and are not to approach coaches during trials
- All enquiries about trials should be directed to:
Boys Teams: Michael Curcija – mcurcija@essendonroyals.com.au - Girls Teams: Vaughan Coveny – hof@essendonroyals.com.au or Vince Battiato – womens@essendonroyals.com.au
- Ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trial time.
- Bring your football boots, shin guards, and a bottle of water.
- Most importantly, come with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn and have fun!
We look forward to seeing you at Ormond Park and Maribyrnong College.
If you haven’t already, please fill out the below form BEFORE attending trials. Expressions of Interest will close October 9. If you are not a current Royals player and have not attended filled out the form, you may not be able to trial.