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Major Partner

Football Programs

OUR TEAMS

SENIORS

MEN

Essendon Royals fields three open age men’s teams:

  • Senior Men – VPL – 2 (Formerly NPL3)
  • U23 Men – VPL-2 (Formerly NPL3 U21)
  • Thirds Men – Metro North 8
 
Our Senior Men’s team is the club’s flagship male team. Trials are by invitation only. This team competes in the newly branded Victorian Premier League 2 competition (formerly NPL3). This is the third tier Senior Men’s football in Victoria.
 
Our U23s Men’s team operates as a bridge between our extensive junior program and Senior Men’s team. Young players (18-22) not currently playing at Essendon Royals and seeking their first exposure to VPL2 men’s football should enquire about potential opportunities via the Play At Royals page on our website.
 
Our Thirds Men’s team is a social team. Spots are extremely limited and wherever possible, priority is given to existing or former Royals players looking to enjoy open age football with the club. Enquire via the Play At Royals page on our website.

WOMEN

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Essendon Royals fields three open age women’s teams:

  • Senior Women – NPL Victoria
  • U20s Women – NPL Victoria U20 
  • Development Squad – State League
 
Our Senior Women’s team is the club’s flagship female team. Trials are by invitation only, unless otherwise advertised. This team competes in NPL Victoria, the highest level of Senior Women’s football in the state of Victoria. 

Keep an eye out for updates on our Club News page and social media channels.

Our U20s Women team operates as a bridge between our extensive junior program and Senior Women’s team. Young players (16-20) not currently playing at Essendon Royals and seeking their first exposure to open age women’s football should enquire about potential opportunities via the Play At Royals page on our website.

Our Development Squad is for players too old for U20s football or still coming to grips with senior football and competes in State League 2 – the third highest division of Senior Women’s football in Victoria.

YOUTH

JUNIOR BOYS/Girls NPL

Essendon Royals has a current license to field teams in Football Victoria’s Junior Boys and Girls National Premier Leagues competitions.

The Royals field teams in the following age groups:

JBNPL

  • Under-14
  • Under-15
  • Under-16
  • Under-18
 
JGNPL 
  • Under-13
  • Under-15
  • Under-17
 
The Royals JBGNPL program supports talented young male footballers with their football development with extra training sessions, provided by professional coaches.
 
By participating in the JBGNPL program, players will regularly be tested against the best players in their age group across the state.
 
The club must run a trials process every season to pick these squads.

COMMUNITY BOYS

Essendon Royals community program offers fun football learning for players of all skill levels.

Our community boys program caters for under-7 teams right up to under-20 teams.

The Royals have had a long-standing tradition of providing a fun, inclusive environment for young boys, teenagers and young men looking to improve their skills and compete in Football Victoria competitions.

Our community program is split in two sections:

  • MiniRoos (U7-U12)
  • Juniors (U13-U20)

MiniRoos is perfect for kids starting their footballing journeys. The emphasis at this level remains on having fun, learning and developing football and social skills whilst making great friends.

U7-U9 teams play 7v7 format.

U10-12 teams play 9v9 format.

Our Juniors program caters for both the skill acquisition and game training phase of football.

All teams across our Community Boys program train twice a week (with the exception of Under-7 teams). 

COMMUNITY GIRLS

Essendon Royals community program offers fun football learning for players of all skill levels.

Our community girls program caters for under-7 teams right up to under-16 teams.

Our community girls program is the fastest-growing part of our club, as the Royals continue to grow this part of our club to meet the increasing demand for girls teams at every age grup.

Our community program is split in two sections:

  • MiniRoos (U7-U12)
  • Juniors (U13-U20)


MiniRoos is perfect for kids starting their footballing journeys. The emphasis at this level remains on having fun, learning and developing football and social skills whilst making great friends.

U7-U9 teams play 7v7 format.

U10-12 teams play 9v9 format.

Our Juniors program caters for both the skill acquisition and game training phase of football.

All teams across our Community Girls program train twice a week. 

ESSENDON ROYALS Kick-Starters Program

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.

2025 Term Dates

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

Term 1: 28 January – 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)

Term 1 Details & Registration

CURRENT OPEN EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

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© Essendon Royals Soccer Club 2025