Essendon Royals 2025 Optus Kick-Starters Term One Registration Now Open!

Discover Soccer, Discover Fun, Discover Growth

Welcome to the Essendon Royals Kick-Starters Program, proudly sponsored by Optus, where soccer is more than just a game – it’s a journey of fun, learning, and community. Designed for children aged 4 to 9-years-old, our program is the perfect first step for young soccer enthusiasts to develop skills, make friends, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

About the Program

The Essendon Royals Kick-Starters Program builds on the successful foundations of Football Australia’s MiniRoos Kick-Off framework. With a focus on creating an engaging, age-appropriate, and inclusive soccer experience, our program is tailored to encourage physical development, teamwork, and a love for the game.

Here’s what makes our program unique:

Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Sessions are designed to suit the developmental needs of each group. Simple and stimulating drills teach core soccer skills while encouraging motor development, agility, and coordination.
Inclusive Environment: Every child gets ample time with the ball, ensuring active participation, team spirit, and plenty of fun on the pitch.
Health and Fitness: Soccer is an excellent way for kids to stay active, improve physical fitness, and enjoy the outdoors.
Social Skills and Friendship: Beyond soccer, our sessions nurture friendships and develop social skills like teamwork, communication, and respect.

Program Details

Age: Children aged 4 to 9-years-old
Session Structure: Weekly 45-minute sessions held on Saturdays and mid-week Wednesdays
- Saturday Session #1 – 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
- Saturday Session #2 – 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
- Midweek Session (4–8 years): Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM
Locations:
- Ormond Park, Moonee Ponds (Terms 1 & 4)
- Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon (Terms 2 & 3)
Cost: $230 per term or a discounted annual option of $850 for full-year registration (a convenient option for busy families not having to re-register each term and securing your child’s spot in each Term for the year).

What’s happening in 2025

We’re always evolving to provide the best experience for our young players and their families. Here’s what’s new in 2025:

Midweek Sessions: After a successful midweek pilot program in 2024, our Wednesday sessions are here to stay! Wednesday sessions offer additional opportunities for kids to enjoy soccer during the week, meaning you can keep your Saturday mornings free for other activities.
Girls-Only Grids: We continue to see an increase in the number of girls registering for our Kick-Starters program. Where possible, we can run Girls-Only grids. Of course, this is also possible if you prefer your child to play in a mixed-gender grid.
Mandatory Uniforms: Enhancing team spirit, uniforms are required and can be conveniently ordered through the Ultra Football Essendon Royals Club Store. More details will be provided closer to kick-off!
Annual Registration: A hassle-free option for families to secure spots for the entire year, with savings available for full-year registrations.

2025 Term Dates

The program follows the Victorian school terms, ensuring consistency and convenience for families.

Term 1: 1 Feb – 4 April 2025 @ Ormond Park

Saturdays: 1 Feb, 8 Feb, 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar (9 sessions)
Wednesdays: 5 Feb, 12 Feb, 19 Feb, 26 Feb, 5 Mar, 12 Mar, 19 Mar, 26 Mar, 2 Apr (9 sessions)

Term 2: 22 April – 4 July 2025 @ Cross Keys Reserve

Saturdays: 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun (10 sessions)
Wednesdays: 30 Apr, 7 May, 14 May, 21 May, 28 May, 4 Jun, 11 Jun, 18 Jun, 25 Jun, 2 Jul (10 sessions)

Term 3: 21 July – 19 September 2025 @ Cross Keys Reserve

Saturdays: 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep (8 sessions)
Wednesdays: 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 10 Sep, 17 Sep (8 sessions)

Term 4: 6 October – 19 December 2025 @ Cross Keys Reserve

Saturdays: 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec (10 sessions)
Wednesdays: 15 Oct, 22 Oct, 29 Oct, 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov, 3 Dec, 10 Dec, 17 Dec (10 sessions)

Sponsorship Opportunities for the Essendon Royals Kick-Starters Program

At Essendon Royals, we’re proud to work with fantastic sponsors like Optus and Jellis Craig, whose support helps us deliver the best possible experience for our young players.

We’re always looking for new sponsors who want to make a difference and help take our Kick-Starters Program to the next level.

By becoming a sponsor, you’ll connect with a thriving community of over 200 families, gaining valuable exposure while making a real impact on the development of young soccer stars. Your support allows us to:

Invest in quality facilities and equipment
Keep soccer accessible for all children
Provide a nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality program

If you’re interested in sponsoring the Kick-Starters Program, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in helping the next generation of soccer players grow, learn, and thrive.

For more information on sponsorship packages, contact us today.

How to Register

Spots are Limited! Register now to secure your child’s place for Term 1, 2025.

Cost: $230 per term or a discounted annual option of $850 for full-year registration

Join Us on the Field

At Essendon Royals, we believe that soccer is more than just a sport – it’s a journey of growth, community, and endless fun. The Kick-Starters Program is the perfect opportunity for your child to develop lifelong skills, friendships, and memories.

Don’t miss out – register today and join the Essendon Royals soccer family! ⚽