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Essendon Royals Kick-Starters — Term 2, 2026 Registrations Now Open

Kick-Starters is back for Term 2, and we’re moving to Cross Keys Reserve for the new term.

Our introductory football program for kids aged 4–9 focuses on fun, confidence and core football skills in a supportive environment. Whether your child is lacing up their boots for the first time or coming back for another term, we encourage them to reach out and see if we have a space for them in our program that continues to hit capacity year-on-year.

We are delighted to be welcoming two new sponsors on board for the remainder of the Kick-Starters year!       

Community Bank Keilor East has signed on as our front-of-shirt partner for the new Kick-Starters uniform. Community Bank Keilor East is part of the Bendigo Bank network, built on a model that returns up to 80% of profits directly back into the local community.

Over the past 24 years, the Keilor East branch has invested more than $2 million into local sporting clubs, schools, events and community organisations. Beyond their community commitment, they offer a full range of banking services including home loans, personal loans, term deposits and insurance.

If you’re looking for a bank that puts locals first, visit the team at 53 Wyong Street, Keilor East.

Marquee Group will feature on the back of the Kick-Starters shirts. Marquee Group is an award-winning finance brokerage specialising in residential, commercial and development finance. The business is led by Jonathan De Sensi, a former Essendon Royals junior and nephew of a life member.

Jonathan has built an impressive career in finance since 2010, earning Development Finance Broker of the Year honours and recognition as an MPA Top Commercial Broker. We’re thrilled to see him reconnect with the club through the Kick-Starters program. You can learn more at marqueegroup.finance

We are awaiting the final sizing and ordering process from our apparel suppliers, Armadura and will confirm in due course.

Session Times

Day Time Ages
Saturday 9:00am 4–6 years
Saturday 10:00am 6–9 years
Wednesday 4:30pm 4–8 years

Venue: Cross Keys Reserve

Term 2 dates: 20 April – 26 June 2026

Registration Options

Option Price
Term 2 only $240

To register for the remainder of the year, you should contact kickstarters@essendonroyals.com.au

Please read the below carefully to ensure you register correctly, as there is a different registration for players returning from Term 1, to those who will be new to the program in Term 2.

How to Register

Please read the following carefully to determine which registration pathway applies to you.

Already registered for the yearly or half-yearly option?

You do not need to fill out any forms or re-register. Your child’s registration already covers Term 2. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please email kickstarters@essendonroyals.com.au to confirm.

Please note: if you registered for the half-yearly option, you will need to re-register again in July for Terms 3 and 4.

Returning players (registered for Term 1 only)

If your child was registered through PlayFootball for Term 1 and you only signed up for a single term, you do not need to go through PlayFootball again. Use the Jotform below to register for Term 2. You will need your child’s FFA Number (issued when you first registered on PlayFootball).

🔗 Register for Term 2 via Jotform (returning players only)

New players (Either never registered with the program before, or participated in 2025 but not in Term 1 2026)

If your child has never been registered with Essendon Royals Kick-Starters, you need to register through PlayFootball, Football Australia’s official registration platform. New players wanting to join for the remainder of the year should register for the full-year option on PlayFootball ($30 registration fee via PlayFootball, with the remaining balance paid via bank transfer).

Term-by-term registration
 🔗 https://rego.prd.letsplayfootball.au/participant/product-details/66172337

Half-year registration (2 terms)
https://rego.prd.letsplayfootball.au/participant/product-details/66182596

Not sure which option applies to you? Email kickstarters@essendonroyals.com.au and we’ll point you in the right direction.

What to Bring

  • Water bottle
  • Shin pads (mandatory)
  • Sports footwear (football boots recommended)
  • Club uniform (compulsory, purchased separately)

Program Highlights

  • Age-appropriate curriculum aligned with Football Australia’s MiniRoos Kick-Off framework
  • Inclusive environment with plenty of ball contact
  • Experienced coaches
  • Girls-only grids available (where numbers allow)
  • Social development and friendship building

Parents are asked to remain away from training areas during sessions. Groupings are finalised after registration review.

Refund Policy

All Kick-Starters registrations are non-refundable once the term has commenced. If you need to withdraw before the term begins, contact kickstarters@essendonroyals.com.au as soon as possible. Please refer to the club’s Membership, Fees & Deposit Refund Policy for full details.

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