Dates for Community Boys, Girls and JGNPL Teams trials now available ahead of 2025 pre-season

UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED ON 22 OCTOBER 2024. DUE TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF SPOTS FROM EXISTING ROYALS PLAYERS, WE ARE NO LONGER HOLDING TRIALS FOR U9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 BOYS. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN CHANGES TO THE U14 AND U15 BOYS TRIALS DATES. PLEASE REVIEW THE TABLE BELOW TO TRIPLE-CHECK YOUR DATES AND TIMES.

WE ALSO NOTE THAT ALL REMAINING GIRL’S TRIALS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED.

Essendon Royals are proud to announce the trial dates for our 2025 junior boys’ and girls’ teams. This includes trials for all our Community Football Boys & Girls junior teams from Under 7s through to Under 21s, as we look to build on another highly successful season at the club.

Important Notice: Limited Spots Available for Boys’ Teams

Due to a high number of returning players, some boys’ team trials may be cancelled. With a retention rate of over 85% across our football programs, new spots are extremely limited, especially in non-Kangas teams. As always, our priority is to retain existing Royals players, particularly those players and families who have demonstrated a strong alignment with the club’s values and standards of behaviour.

PLEASE NOTE: As a result of the high retention rate, some trials may be cancelled closer to the date for teams where there are no spots available. This is done to respect trialist times and ensure they have the most time available to try and find a spot at another club. There are great clubs in the Moonee Valley area who may have space for your child.

TRIAL LOCATIONS:

Ormond Park – 2A Pattinson St, Moonee Ponds

East Keilor Leisure Centre (Synthetic Pitch) – 115 Rachelle Rd, Keilor East

Maribyrnong College – 2 River St, Maribyrnong

Expression of Interest Required

Players who have not previously completed an Expression of Interest (EOI) may be denied the opportunity to trial. If you are interested in joining our club for the 2025 season, please ensure that you have submitted the EOI form embedded below.

Trial Expectations

Each trial session is expected to last around 60 minutes, and players must arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled trial time. It is important that players attend all trial sessions advertised for their age group, as missing sessions will disadvantage them compared to players who attend all trials.

What to Bring

Players should come prepared with:

• Football boots
• Shin pads (compulsory)
• Water bottle

Parent Information

Parents are required to stay off the training pitch during the trials. Please do not approach the coaches during the sessions, as this can disrupt the process.

If you have any questions about trials, please contact the Technical Director for Junior Boys, Michael Curcija, at [email protected].

Here is the list of trial dates for each age group:

Junior Boys

Please note – the players will be sent to their respective grids on the night

Age Group	Date	Time	Location
U7: 2018 born players	7/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
	9/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
	14/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
U8: 2017 born players	8/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
U14: 2011 born players	17/10	6.45pm	Ormond Park
	22/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
U15: 2010 born players	21/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
	23/10	5.30pm	Ormond Park
U16: 2009 born players	22/10	6.45pm	Ormond Park
	24/10	6.45pm	Ormond Park
U18: 2007 & 2008 born players	29/10	6pm	Ormond Park
	31/10	6pm	Ormond Park
U21: 2004-2006 born players	29/10	7.15pm	Ormond Park
	31/10	7.15pm	Ormond Park

Junior Girls

With limited positions to fill at the club, Essendon Royals have cancelled all remaining trial dates for girls. We apologise for any inconvenience. We have limited spots remaining in our State Three Women’s team, a great proving ground for girls aged 15-20 looking to take their first steps in senior football. Players interested in this team should fill out the EOI form for girls below, and you may be contacted for a trial.

Expressions of Interest – Community Boys and Girls

Expressions of Interest – JGNPL