U11 Festival of Football FAQs

Updated: 17-09-21

Q. Will the club get a refund if the tournament is unable to go ahead due to Covid?

A. If the tournament is cancelled or if a rescheduled date is advised and a team cannot attend on the new date, a full refund will be provided.

Q. What is the level of this tournament?

A. We have pitched this tournament at the highest level of U11 players in the country similar to the U9 Auckland United and U10 West Coast Rangers Festivals.

Q. What age players does U11 cover?

A. The tournament is aimed at players born between 1st Jan 2010 and 31st December 2010, but the age range allows players to be eligible if they are born in 2011.

Q. What is the maximum squad size?

A. There will be a maximum squad size of 13.

Q. How many games will we play, what is the format?

A. This will largely depend on the number of entries – our preference is for a 24 team boys comp, and a 12 team girls comp – we will release more information about this once we have a better idea of the number of entries.

Q. What size fields and what type of fields will the tournament be played on?

A. We will be playing on half fields with the same game format rules as NRF U11 grade football – there will be 6 grass fields.

Q. Which entrance should I drive to?

A. If you are a coach, manager, player or supporter, please enter through Maurice Road for easy parking. All tournament Staff and officials will enter through O’Rorke Road and have parks allocated to them. You can also park on Beasley Avenue and walk in through the pedestrian gate.

Q. I need a mobility carpark, where are they?

A. We offer mobility parking to anyone with a disabled permit. There are spots available in the officials carpark and on Beasley Avenue.

Q. How will I know where to go and what number they are?

A. There will be plenty of wayfinding signage on site between the fields and around the carparks. We will have volunteers to assist on the day and maps available to help you get around the stadium.

Q. Will referees be supplied?

A. Every game will have a referee with a minimum qualification of “Community Referee” (the old CBR qualification).  The aim is to also provide Assistant Referees but this is subject to availability.

Q. Will there be player awards?

A. At Ellerslie the club recognises teamwork and fair play as core values so we will have a Team Fair play award and a Sportsmanship award for both the boys and the girls tournaments.

Q. Is there space at Mt Smart Stadium for a marquee or tent to base our team(s) in?
A. There will be space for some tents or marquees onsite or teams can set up in the stand in Arena 2.

Q. Is it free entry for spectators?

A. Yes, all are welcoming to come along. There is an abundance of free parking on site.

Q. Am I allowed to watch the games from anywhere?

A.  No, there will be some designated spectator areas and some areas restricted to just coaches and players. Please respect the boundaries that are in place for this tournament.

Q. Will there be public toilets open?

A. Yes there are toilets available near each field and will be marked on the site map.

Q. Will there be food & beverages available?

A.  Yes, the John Walker Lounge will be open both days serving food and beverages (alcohol included). There will be food trucks and coffee carts near Field 3 & 4 and Field 5 & 6.

Q. Can I bring my own food and drink?

A.  Yes you can bring in small quantities of home prepared food and drink. No commercially prepared food or alcohol can be brought into the Stadium.  We will have a full café and a range of food trucks operating both days.

Q. Will there be places to sit?

A.  Yes, teams are welcome to bring gazebos and chairs. There is a covered grandstand with plenty of seats available and you can bring your own chair to sit on as well. The cafe in the John Walker Lounge also offers a quiet place to relax and enjoy some football from the outside deck.

Q. What can I do to be prepared if I am attending for the entire day or both days?

A. We would recommend wearing covered shoes. Bring water bottles as we have free water stations dotted around the Arena, bring sunblock and an umbrella.

Q. Can I bring my dog?

A. No, sorry we do not allow dogs inside the stadium. Please leave your dog at home and not in the car.

Q. Can I smoke or vape in the stadium?

A.  No, sorry as Mt Smart Stadium is a smoke free venue.

Any additional questions can be sent to info@ellersliefootball.org.nz

Version 3 – Updated 30/08/2021