Our Programs
Our Football Program
ERFC is proud to offer football for girls, boys, women and men of all ages, from our talented and experienced elite players to those who are 'new to the game'. To find out more about our programs, select your area of interest below.
Come & Try Day - Saturday Program!
We are hosting a Come & Try Day for children who were born 2015 – 2019.
Date: Saturday 19th February
Time: 9am (arrive 15 minutes early)
Location: Eltham Redbacks FC main pitch
What to bring: Sneakers & water bottle
Parents are welcome to join in, it’s free and fun!
For more information about our Saturday Program please contact: saturdayprogram@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Saturday Program: Spiderlings
Ages: Players who will turn 3 or 4 in the calendar year
Overview: Our Spiderlings program is an entry level sports program for 3 and 4 year old boys and girls. Run at the same time as our Saturday Small Sided Football sessions for U5s to U7s, this program was spawned as a result of the many parent requests for younger siblings to have a program. 2011 saw the launch of the program and it has gone from strength to strength since. Annually, 60 children participate in the program.
Designed and conducted by an experienced coach, Spiderlings' emphasis is on active play, social and emotional development and establishing co-ordination and fundamental motor skills. The program also introduces children to formal structured sports. Indeed, many of our Spiderlings graduate to Saturday Small Sided Football when they are old enough.
Session day: Saturday mornings during the football season
Session length: 30 minutes
Number of sessions: 20 week program
Group size: Groups are limited to 15 children – mixed boys and girls
Trials: There are no trials for our Saturday Program. Instead places are available on a first come, first served basis
Parent involvement: Though the program is run by an experienced coach, occasional parent involvement is required
Uniform: Children in this age group receive a Redbacks playing top but are not required wear shin pads or boots
Cost: $385
How to enrol (Registrations NOW OPEN): www.playfootball.com.au/register
2022 dates:
19 February - Come & Try Day
26 February - Week 1
5 March - Week 2
19 March - Week 3
26 March - Week 4
2 April - Week 5
30 April - Week 6
7 May - Week 7
14 May - Week 8
21 May - Week 9
28 May - Week 10
4 June - Week 11
18 June - Week 12
16 July - Week 13
23 July - Week 14
30 July - Week 15
13 August - Week 16
20 August - Week 17
27 August - Week 18
3 September - Week 19
10 September - Week 20
Questions: saturdayprogram@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Saturday Program: Small Sided Football
Ages: Players who will turn 5, 6 or 7 in the calendar year
Overview: Our Saturday Small Sided Football Program is designed for children turning 5, 6 or 7 during the calendar year. The aim of the program is two-fold – for your children to have a wonderful time learning the basics of the “beautiful game” and to become accustomed to a structured sporting environment.
The sessions consists of a “skills” component and a “game” component. Designed with the FFA National Curriculum in mind, we begin our session with a 30 minute component of fun games that focus on a particular skill. These change from week to week and are appropriate for the age group.
Following the skills session, we play a small sided football game for 30 minutes. At this age level the format is a one-eighth sized pitch and 4v4 or 5v5with no goal keeper. The games are low key but it is during this controlled competitive environment that our players can put into practice the skills they have been learning.
To facilitate the program, our main synthetic pitch is divided into 8 small grounds with small goals. On each pitch we run groups of 10 children. Each group is coached by a parent coach who receives training and guidance from our accredited coaching director. The groups (in most cases) are all similar ages but we do move exceptional children to ensure their football experience is a positive one.
The program also produces a secondary benefit – for you as parents to be introduced to club sport and the Redbacks club culture. It is important for new parents to understand that the club is fundamentally volunteer run and our greatest strength is the breadth and depth of the fantastic volunteers who coach, organise and administer our club.
This program is very popular and the 140 places have sold out each year since 2012, so it is suggested you register early to secure your spot. Due to parent feedback, girls and boys play in separate teams.
Session day: Saturday mornings during the football season
Session length: 1 hour
Number of sessions: 20 week program
Group size: Groups are limited to 12 players
Trials: There are no trials for our Saturday Program. Instead places are available on a first come, first served basis
Parent involvement: Parent Coaches, Assistants and Team Managers are required for each team. Parents will also be placed on a roster system to assist in the canteen (during session times) and are expected to assist setting up and packing up the pitch each week
Uniform: Children in this age group receive a full uniform – playing top, jacket, shorts, socks. Players must wear football boots and shin pads
Cost: $460
How to enrol (Registrations NOW OPEN): www.playfootball.com.au/register
2022 dates:
19 February - Come & Try Day
26 February - Week 1
5 March - Week 2
19 March - Week 3
26 March - Week 4
2 April - Week 5
30 April - Week 6
7 May - Week 7
14 May - Week 8
21 May - Week 9
28 May - Week 10
4 June - Week 11
18 June - Week 12
16 July - Week 13
23 July - Week 14
30 July - Week 15
13 August - Week 16
20 August - Week 17
27 August - Week 18
3 September - Week 19
10 September - Week 20
Questions: saturdayprogram@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
MiniRoos Girls (Ages 8-11)
Ages: Players who will turn 8, 9, 10, 11 in the calendar year
Overview: At Eltham Redbacks FC we appreciate that the future of our club starts with the earliest age groups and we have invested heavily in developing a strong football program for our young members.
Small Sided Football is played up to the U11 age group The objective of small sided football is to maximise the amount of time each child has ‘on the ball’ and thus promote enjoyment and skill development. Games are played on Sunday (usually early) with a home and away fixture. There is no official “ladder” until the U12s as the emphasis is on player development and not on winning.
The football season commences in April and runs through to September with pre-season training commencing in February. Girls will also train 2 nights per week.
Under 8 & Under 9: Squads of 10 players with 7 children (6 + goalkeeper) play on a quarter pitch with modified goals with 3 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match
Under 10 & Under 11: Squads of 12 players with 9 children (8 + goalkeeper) play on a half pitch with modified goals with 3 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match
ERFC places exacting standards on all our coaches. Every coach is appropriately qualified with overall guidance provided by our highly credentialed Head Coaches.
The football season commences in April and runs through to September. Trials for these age groups are critical as they help us place players in a team that is appropriate to their level of ability. Details about the trialling process including trial dates are released well ahead of the season. This program is very popular and sells out quickly, so it is suggested you register early to secure your spot.
Trials: Trials for all teams from U8s are a necessary part of our preseason, helping sort over 600 players into teams for the new season and ensuring every player is playing with a squad that is most appropriate for their level of experience and ability.
Players are to attend the session for the age group determined by their birth year. The table below can help you understand this better. Any exceptions to this arrangement is to be discussed in advance with the applicable Head Coach.
We do understand that trials can be a daunting experience for some players and as a result we have made changes to the format as we constantly try to refine and improve the process.
Several of our experienced female team coaches have a belief that our young female footballers will benefit from a different trial format. In line with ERFC’s commitment to developing and improving our young footballers, we believe that proper core skill analysis and assessment will be a huge platform for the girl’s program to build on. The first session will be a series of station work, with each station focusing on a core aspect of football. With this, both player and coach will have results that both parties can then aim to improve. Following on from this session, there will be two sessions of practice games, where coaches can then assess the players technical ability in game related scenarios.
Team Selection & Registration: After the conclusion of trials, the Football Department will communicate PROVISIONAL team selections for the coming season.
Parent involvement: Parent Coaches, Assistants and Team Managers are required for each team. Parents will also be placed on a roster system to assist in the canteen (during session times) and are expected to assist setting up and packing up the pitch each week
Uniform: Players in this age group receive a full uniform – red & blue playing top, jacket, shorts, socks. Football boots and shin pads must be worn.
Cost: $650
As always, we make every effort to mimimise the cost of playing football while continuing to offer a program that befits the Redbacks name. As has been the case for several years, our fees are ‘all-inclusive’ – you will not be asked for any other payments during the year. A $30 building fund continues to be added to fees to contribute towards the cost of our new clubrooms.
How to enrol: www.playfootball.com.au/register
Registration and payment of fees is a mandatory requirement for all players wishing to begin preseason with our club with those failing to pay fees forfeiting their place in line with our strict No Pay, No Play policy. This ensures teams can be finalised, all players are protected by insurance and uniforms can be ordered at the earliest opportunity.
Note that due to the administrative burden that payment plans cause our volunteer committee members, payment of all fees will continue to be via debit/credit card and the Play Football portal only. Please plan now to avoid disappointment.
Questions: girlscoordinator@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
MiniRoos Boys (Ages 8-11)
Ages: Players who will turn 8, 9, 10, 11 in the calendar year
Overview: At Eltham Redbacks FC we appreciate that the future of our club starts with the earliest age groups and we have invested heavily in developing a strong football program for our young members.
Small Sided Football is played up to the U11 age group (. The objective of small sided football is to maximise the amount of time each child has ‘on the ball’ and thus promote enjoyment and skill development. Games are played on Sunday (usually early) with a home and away fixture. Players are graded according to their ability (Kangaroos, Wallabies & Joeys) to provide the best chance for individual growth. There is no official “ladder” until the U12s as the emphasis is on player development and not on winning.
The football season commences in April and runs through to September with pre-season training commencing in February. Boys will also train 2 nights per week.
Under 8 & Under 9: Squads of 10 players with 7 children (6 + goalkeeper) play on a quarter pitch with modified goals with 3 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match
Under 10 & Under 11: Squads of 12 players with 9 children (8 + goalkeeper) play on a half pitch with modified goals with 3 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match
ERFC places exacting standards on all our coaches. Every coach is appropriately qualified with overall guidance provided by our highly credentialed Head Coaches.
The football season commences in April and runs through to September. Trials for these age groups are critical as they help us place players in a team that is appropriate to their level of ability. Details about the trialling process including trial dates are released well ahead of the season. This program is very popular and sells out quickly, so it is suggested you register early to secure your spot.
Trials: Trials for all teams from U8s are a necessary part of our preseason, helping sort over 600 players into teams for the new season and ensuring every player is playing with a squad that is most appropriate for their level of experience and ability.
Players are to attend the session for the age group determined by their birth year. The table below can help you understand this better. Any exceptions to this arrangement is to be discussed in advance with the applicable Head Coach.
We do understand that trials can be a daunting experience for some players and as a result we have made changes to the format as we constantly try to refine and improve the process.
Players of like experience and ability will be grouped together and will participate in a series of small sided games to better replicate a meaningful game environment. In line with the club’s football philosophy of ‘proactive, possession based football’, players will be evaluated based on their technical ability, NOT their game impact. As players are evaluated by the Head Coaches and respective team coaches, groups will be reset each week enabling us to move closer to provisional team selection after each trial.
Team Selection & Registration: After the conclusion of trials, the Football Department will communicate PROVISIONAL team selections for the coming season.
Parent involvement: Parent Coaches, Assistants and Team Managers are required for each team. Parents will also be placed on a roster system to assist in the canteen (during session times) and are expected to assist setting up and packing up the pitch each week
Uniform: Players in this age group receive a full uniform – red & blue playing top, jacket, shorts, socks. Football boots and shin pads must be worn.
Cost: $650
As always, we make every effort to mimimise the cost of playing football while continuing to offer a program that befits the Redbacks name. As has been the case for several years, our fees are ‘all-inclusive’ – you will not be asked for any other payments during the year. A $30 building fund continues to be added to fees to contribute towards the cost of our new clubrooms.
How to enrol: www.playfootball.com.au/register
Registration and payment of fees is a mandatory requirement for all players wishing to begin preseason with our club with those failing to pay fees forfeiting their place in line with our strict No Pay, No Play policy. This ensures teams can be finalised, all players are protected by insurance and uniforms can be ordered at the earliest opportunity.
Note that due to the administrative burden that payment plans cause our volunteer committee members, payment of all fees will continue to be via debit/credit card and the Play Football portal only. Please plan now to avoid disappointment.
Questions: coordinatorminiroosboys@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Junior Girls (Ages 12-18)
Ages: Players who will turn 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 in the calendar year
Overview: Eltham Redbacks FC takes great pride in our Junior Girls Program and believes it offers the best value for money in the region. The program is the culmination in years of hard work, constant fine tuning and significant expansion in the financial commitment to our juniors’ development and our results in leagues at all levels and ages is reflective of our progress.
Our program is overseen by our highly credentialed Head Coaches. All of our team coaches are qualified through FV’s accredited courses and follow our football curriculum which is based around FA’s National Curriculum.
At Eltham the focus is always on player education and growth in ability. We aim to develop players who draw on technical ability rather than size, strength or speed to beat an opponent. From this, the results will come.
The football season commences in April and runs through to September with pre-season training commencing in February. Girls will train 2 nights per week.
Under 12 & Under 13: Squads of 12 players with 9 children (8 + goalkeeper) play on a half pitch with modified goals with 3 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match. Official referees are appointed by FV and competition ladder is maintained.
Under 14 to Under 18: Squads of 16 players with 11 children (9 + goalkeeper) play on a full pitch with 5 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match. Official referees are appointed by FV and competition ladder is maintained.
This program is very popular and limited places are available, so it is suggested you register early to secure your spot. Players must also attend trials in order to be selected. Trials for these age groups are critical as they help us place players in a team that is appropriate to their level of ability. Details about the trialling process including trial dates are released well ahead of the season.
Trials: Trials for all teams from U8s are a necessary part of our preseason, helping sort over 600 players into teams for the new season and ensuring every player is playing with a squad that is most appropriate for their level of experience and ability.
Players are to attend the session for the age group determined by their birth year. The table below can help you understand this better. Any exceptions to this arrangement is to be discussed in advance with the applicable Head Coach.
We do understand that trials can be a daunting experience for some players and as a result we have made changes to the format as we constantly try to refine and improve the process.
Several of our experienced female team coaches have a belief that our young female footballers will benefit from a different trial format. In line with ERFC’s commitment to developing and improving our young footballers, we believe that proper core skill analysis and assessment will be a huge platform for the girl’s program to build on. The first session will be a series of station work, with each station focusing on a core aspect of football. With this, both player and coach will have results that both parties can then aim to improve. Following on from this session, there will be two sessions of practice games, where coaches can then assess the players technical ability in game related scenarios.
Team Selection & Registration: After the conclusion of trials, the Football Department will communicate PROVISIONALteam selections for the coming season.
Parent involvement: Parent Coaches, Assistants and Team Managers are required for each team. Parents will also be placed on a roster system to assist in the canteen (during session times) and are expected to assist setting up and packing up the pitch each week
Uniform: Players in this age group receive a full uniform – red & blue playing top, jacket, shorts, socks. Football boots and shin pads must be worn.
Cost: $695
As always, we make every effort to mimimise the cost of playing football while continuing to offer a program that befits the Redbacks name. As has been the case for several years, our fees are ‘all-inclusive’ – you will not be asked for any other payments during the year. A $30 building fund continues to be added to fees to contribute towards the cost of our new clubrooms.
How to enrol: www.playfootball.com.au/register
Registration and payment of fees is a mandatory requirement for all players wishing to begin preseason with our club with those failing to pay fees forfeiting their place in line with our strict No Pay, No Play policy. This ensures teams can be finalised, all players are protected by insurance and uniforms can be ordered at the earliest opportunity.
Note that due to the administrative burden that payment plans cause our volunteer committee members, payment of all fees will continue to be via debit/credit card and the Play Footballportal only. Please plan now to avoid disappointment.
Questions: girlscoordinator@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Junior Boys (Ages 12-18)
Ages: Players who will turn 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 in the calendar year
Overview: Eltham Redbacks FC takes great pride in our Junior Girls Program and believes it offers the best value for money in the region. The program is the culmination in years of hard work, constant fine tuning and significant expansion in the financial commitment to our juniors’ development and our results in leagues at all levels and ages is reflective of our progress.
Our program is overseen by our highly credentialed Head Coaches. All of our team coaches are qualified through FV’s accredited courses and follow our football curriculum which is based around FA’s National Curriculum.
At Eltham the focus is always on player education and growth in ability. We aim to develop players who draw on technical ability rather than size, strength or speed to beat an opponent. From this, the results will come.
The football season commences in April and runs through to September with pre-season training commencing in February. Boys will train 2 nights per week.
Under 12 & Under 13: Squads of 12 players with 9 children (8 + goalkeeper) play on a half pitch with modified goals with 3 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match. Official referees are appointed by FV and competition ladder is maintained.
Under 14 to Under 18: Squads of 16 players with 11 children (9 + goalkeeper) play on a full pitch with 5 reserves that are rotated on and off the pitch during the match. Official referees are appointed by FV and competition ladder is maintained.
This program is very popular and limited places are available, so it is suggested you register early to secure your spot. Players must also attend trials in order to be selected. Trials for these age groups are critical as they help us place players in a team that is appropriate to their level of ability. Details about the trialling process including trial dates are released well ahead of the season.
Trials: Trials for all teams from U8s are a necessary part of our preseason, helping sort over 600 players into teams for the new season and ensuring every player is playing with a squad that is most appropriate for their level of experience and ability.
Players are to attend the session for the age group determined by their birth year. The table below can help you understand this better. Any exceptions to this arrangement is to be discussed in advance with the applicable Head Coach.
We do understand that trials can be a daunting experience for some players and as a result we have made changes to the format as we constantly try to refine and improve the process.
Players of like experience and ability will be grouped together and will participate in a series of small sided games to better replicate a meaningful game environment. In line with the club’s football philosophy of ‘proactive, possession based football’, players will be evaluated based on their technical ability, NOT their game impact. As players are evaluated by the Head Coaches and respective team coaches, groups will be reset each week enabling us to move closer to provisional team selection after each trial.
Team Selection & Registration: After the conclusion of trials, the Football Department will communicate PROVISIONALteam selections for the coming season.
Parent involvement: Parent Coaches, Assistants and Team Managers are required for each team. Parents will also be placed on a roster system to assist in the canteen (during session times) and are expected to assist setting up and packing up the pitch each week
Uniform: Players in this age group receive a full uniform – red & blue playing top, jacket, shorts, socks. Football boots and shin pads must be worn.
Cost:$695
As always, we make every effort to mimimise the cost of playing football while continuing to offer a program that befits the Redbacks name. As has been the case for several years, our fees are ‘all-inclusive’ – you will not be asked for any other payments during the year. A $30 building fund continues to be added to fees to contribute towards the cost of our new clubrooms.
How to enrol: www.playfootball.com.au/register
Registration and payment of fees is a mandatory requirement for all players wishing to begin preseason with our club with those failing to pay fees forfeiting their place in line with our strict No Pay, No Play policy. This ensures teams can be finalised, all players are protected by insurance and uniforms can be ordered at the earliest opportunity.
Note that due to the administrative burden that payment plans cause our volunteer committee members, payment of all fees will continue to be via debit/credit card and the Play Footballportal only. Please plan now to avoid disappointment.
Questions: communitycoordinator@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
ELTHAM REDBACKS FC has a limited number of openings for high quality junior boys’ players to join our 2022 squads for the JBNPL U14s to U18s age groups.
Season 2021 was our first inaugural season in the JBNPL and has seen our U16 team entering Division 1 after the initial grading. The club has worked tirelessly to create a club philosophy, game style and building the foundations for years to come.
Selection/Trials
We would like to invite players, who are serious about player development, learning new concepts, have a great attitude and can add value to the program to come forward for the junior boys’ teams, to register your interest by submitting the Expression of Interest form.
Trial Session Allocations
Under 14’s:
When: Monday - November 8th
Wednesday - November 10th
Monday - November 15th
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Venue: Eltham Redbacks FC
Address: 8-32 Cedar Avenue Eltham North
What to bring: Boots, Shin Pads, and Water
NOTE GK - See details below
Under 15’s:
When: Monday - November 8th
Wednesday - November 10th
Monday - November 15th
Time: 7.30pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Eltham Redbacks FC
Address: 8-32 Cedar Avenue Eltham North
What to bring: Boots, Shin Pads, and Water
NOTE GK - See details below
Under 16’s:
When: Tuesday - November 9th
Thursday - November 11th
Tuesday - November 16th
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Eltham Redbacks FC
Address: 8-32 Cedar Avenue Eltham North
What to bring: Boots, Shin Pads, and Water
NOTE GK - See details below
Under 18’s:
When: Tuesday - November 9th
Thursday - November 11th
Tuesday - November 16th
Time: 7.30pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Eltham Redbacks FC
Address: 8-32 Cedar Avenue Eltham North
What to bring: Boots, Shin Pads, and Water
NOTE GK - See details below
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2022 JBNPL GK Trials
Hosted by our JBNPL Goalkeeper coach and former A-League Goalkeeper Sebastian Mattei.
Under 14’s & Under 15’s
When: Monday 8th November
Time: 6.30pm – 8:00pm
Under 16’s & Under 18’s
When: Tuesday 9th November
Time: 6.30pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Eltham Redbacks FC
Address: 8-32 Cedar Avenue Eltham North
What to bring: Boots, Shin Pads, and Water
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Return to Training Record of Attendance
Attendance reporting is mandatory for all players attending, an ERFC Official will collect the required information at the commencement of training. Please report to the designated area prior to entering the pitch.
COVID Safe
Whilst all new measures are important, please ensure the rules below are strictly followed:
- If you feel unwell or are isolating, please don't attend. Notify us via email and arrangements will be made to reschedule a trial.
- Players must not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to training commencement, and if arriving by car, remain in the car until allocated session time provided. For example a 6:00pm start, please report at 5:45pm to the designated entry point to avoid gatherings.
- Players must bring their own water bottle and cannot share with anyone.
- Players must arrive prepared to train – changing rooms will not be in use.
- No-one is to congregate at the entry points.
- Once attendance is recorded, players are to move directly to their designated training zone.
- All players must apply hand sanitiser before and after training. This will be made available, but you can use your own if preferred.
- If reasonably practicable, only one parent/carer to bring their child(ren) to training who must abide abide by gathering restrictions.
Thank you all for your understanding throughout these unprecedented times and we look forward to seeing you on the pitch doing what we love.
If you are unable to attend your allocated trial dates and times, please get in contact with us via a reply email to jbnplcoordinator@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Eltham Redbacks provide an inclusive, team-focused environment and would love to hear from you!
Football (soccer) is one of the top three team sports played by girls and women throughout Australia and Eltham Redbacks are proud to have the biggest girls/women’s program in the North East region of Victoria. This means we have teams that cater for all ages and playing abilities with quality accredited coaches who are enthusiastic and committed. The coaches work in conjunction with the Head Coach to administer the club’s football program which is based on the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) curriculum. This provides players with the support and resources to ensure they develop their skills, regardless of ability.
The Senior Women’s program currently comprises of a senior and reserves team, playing in the newly formed Women’s Victorian Premier League. The competition format sports an official home and away season between April and September each year. Annually, the teams and Club support Pink Ribbon Day raising funds for breast cancer research and awareness by dedicating a home game to this worthwhile cause. Donning their customary pink ribbon uniform for the match and organising a few stalls, the women’s program has raised in excess of $10,000 over several years and this local event continues to make an important contribution to the Cancer Council.
If you are interested in joining one of these teams, please register your interest via email VPGirls@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Natasha Lusi returns as captain for 2021 with Beth Sanderson (right) Maddy Kamolins (left) named as joint vice captains.
VPLW SENIOR WOMENS HEAD COACH
It is with tremendous excitement that ERFC welcome Stephen Babbage as the new head coach for our VPLW Senior Women in 2022.
Babbage has extensive experience in Womens Football in Victoria after coaching at Skye United for over 13 years as Head Coach, earning promotions and championships under his tutelage. He boasts a plethora of qualifications with UEFA A, B, and C Diplomas as well as years of playing experience, most notably for Colchester United.Babbage’s emphasis on a dominant possession based game aimed at creating scoring opportunities means that we can look forward to a really exciting brand of football at the Web.
Please join us in welcoming Stephen as he and our Senior Women prepare for the 2022 Season!
GO REDBACKS!!! 
After winning three league titles (2014, 2016 and 2017) and achieving four consecutive promotions (2014-2017), our Senior Men now compete in State League 1. South East. The squad comprises of talented and committed players who want to play in a competitive league with the aim of seeking promotion to higher leagues.
The senior team is coached by Joe Montagnese who brings wealth of experience and as a coach and player and has implemented a brand of football that not only is exciting to watch, but always strives to achieve a positive result. He is well supported by Assistant Coach Enzo Santone and goal keeping coach Alex Tseros.
The reserve team mainly consisting of talented U21 players that have moved through the Redbacks junior ranks. The team has a strong focus on developing and promoting talented youth and is a launching pad to the State 1 team. Coached by Chris Mitrevski, this team has a strong record of developing footballers and winning leagues.
If you are interested in joining one of these teams, please email VPBoys@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Social players 16+ years welcome.
For more information on the program contact: metromen@elthamredbacksfc.org.au
Big Kidz is a social 'kick about' for Over 35s who are not interested in playing in a full weekly FFV competition. The program involves only Eltham Redbacks members and continues all year round. It is a terrific way for Mums and Dads to maintain fitness and technique while life is too busy for any thing more.
Places: Generally no limit
Where: Eltham Redbacks Home Ground, Wattletree Rd, Eltham North
When: Social, generally weekday (Monday or Wednesday) from 8.30pm -10pm
For more information on the program contact: philerfc@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
For the last 5 years, Eltham Redbacks FC has run it's own Over 45s league that encourages older men (40 – 60) to engage in an appropriate, semi-competitive football program with a health and well-being focus. The league has proven to be very popular and has helped men of all ages get back into football and fitness.
Fixtures and ladders can be found on the Eltham Vets League site
Times: Program starting in April and finishing August
Places: Generally no limit
Where: Most games and all training takes place at Eltham Redbacks hom ground on Wattletree Rd, Eltham North
When: Some Friday night and Saturday games, training on Wednesday nights
Uniform: Full uniform supplied. Boots and shin-pads need to be purchased.
For more information on the program contact: philerfc@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
In 2019, Eltham Redbacks is launching Lottery League Football, a brand-new kind of football for all players from the Men’s Over 45’s league, BigKidz program and parents/grandparents of members who don’t want to play competitively anymore. If this is successful we intend developing the idea for any mothers/grandmothers who would like to keep active and play in a women’s Lottery League, so if you are an interested mum or grand mum contact Bob and he will pass your details onto the ERFC Football Department.
What is Lottery League and how is it different to normal leagues?
Lottery League Football is a new flexible, friendly and social way to play football that is open to everyone over 45. There is no maximum age limit and anyone from 45 up is welcome. Anyone who has previously retired due to the pace of the O45s league, or doesn’t play even socially anymore, is welcome to come back and put their boots on again!
We are also looking to entice back any players in their 50s, 60s and beyond, as there is no age limit with this. If you want to come back and play out your remaining years in a fun and relaxed environment, then this is it!
How does it work?
At the start of the season, all players in the pool are allocated a player number – you keep that number all season. Prior to each game, all players’ numbers will be placed in a hat and the first 11 to be drawn out will be a team for that week and will play a team formed by the remaining players not drawn out.
Note there is a reference here to 11 players but if 28 players turn up we will pick the first 14 out of the hat to form a team. In this manner, we do not want any players on benches anymore, so no substitutes on lines, etc. If anyone wants a rest they are welcome to bring themselves off until they have recovered.
Players who win a game are awarded 1 point, those who lose get zero, and a draw also means zero for everyone. The team that wins the Lottery League at the end of the season will be the 11 players who have amassed the most wins. The Lottery League table will be kept secret until season-end to keep the interest alive. A small trophy will be awarded to the winning team (11 players) that records the most wins during the season.
The Lottery League is being set up to break down “team mentality” (us and them) and encourages everyone to play with everyone else week after week. The aim is to foster more social friendships in the club.
Rules
Rules are effectively the same as normal football but to remove any contentious incidents there is no offside – this is all about having fun and being on the park. Players can either throw or kick the ball in and there are no foul throws.
Sessions
Depending on numbers, the club will run one midweek session and one weekend session every week. Times to be confirmed.
Costs
The price for the full season is just $130. Registration will take place through the Play Football portal.
We want cost-effective and enjoyable football, so players are asked to bring their own kit, boots and shin guards (including a white and dark top each week for team sorting). This will keep costs down as there will be no annual kit costs and no referee costs as this is non-competitive football. The club will provide the balls, the pitch and the lights.
Environment
Lottery League is all about having fun, playing on at football for as long as you can, and the opportunity for all players to mix together and bond in a social environment both on the pitch and in the clubhouse. No bad attitudes will be tolerated – we want all players to have a great time, no white line fever and just enjoy it!
Anyone interested, please email Bob Messenger to register your interest on the email below: philerfc@gmail.com
Thanks a lot!
Bob Messenger
As always, we make every effort to mimimise the cost of playing football while continuing to offer a program that befits the Redbacks name. As has been the case for several years, our fees are ‘all-inclusive’ – you will not be asked for any other payments during the year. A $30 building fund continues to be added to fees to contribute towards the cost of our new clubrooms.
Note a credit card fee of 1.8% is charged by Football Australia, not the club. We continue to provide feedback to Football Australia about the size of this fee but regrettably Football Australia has not changed it.
Payment of fees must be received in full prior to Saturday the 29th of February. Players who have not completed registration and payment by this date will not be able to continue preseason training. Places may then be offered to those on our waiting lists.
Any member who did not participate in trials should contact the applicable coordinator to confirm that a place is available. Limited places exist.
