General Information

• What is the MiniRoos program? The MiniRoos program at Bentleigh United Cobras is a fun and engaging introduction to soccer for young players aged 5 to 12. It focuses on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

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Age Groups and Program Focus:

• U5 & U6: The focus at this age is on fundamental skill development and having fun with the game.

• U7-U12: Players in these age groups will participate in friendly matches against other clubs.

 

Fees and Registration

• How much does it cost to register for the MiniRoos program? The standard player fee is $520. This includes your Football Victoria (FV) registration fee (which is paid directly to FV and deducted from the club fee) and a new club jersey.
   

• Is there a discount for volunteer coaches? Yes! If you are willing to coach a MiniRoos team, the registration fee is reduced to $200.
   

• What does the registration fee cover? The fee covers your FV registration, insurance, and a club jersey.
   

• Are there family discounts? Yes, we offer family discounts! There is a $100 discount for the first sibling and a $50 discount for each sibling thereafter.
   

• Why do I have to pay for the full season upfront? Football is a season-long commitment, similar to netball or AFL. Fees cover registration, insurance, uniforms, and governing body costs. All fees must be paid before the season starts.
   

• Can I get a refund if my child doesn’t complete the season? Refund requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at miniroos@cobrasfc.com.au for inquiries.
   

• When and how do I register? Registrations are open now and close at the end of February. Late registrations may not be accommodated. New families are encouraged to attend a Come & Play session. Complete the registration form, and we’ll provide next steps.

 

Season Dates and Fixtures

• When does the season start and end? The season starts the first week of March 2025 and concludes after the first week of September 2025.
   

• When are the games played? Weekend matches will be played from the 27th of April until the 7th of September, with breaks during the school holidays.
   

• When will game fixtures be available? Fixtures for U7-U12 are set by Football Victoria and are usually released a week before the season starts.

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Teams and Playing Requests

• Which team will my child play in? Teams are based on birth year:

  • 2019-2020: U5-U6

  • 2018: U7

  • 2017: U8

  • 2016: U9

  • 2015: U10

  • 2014: U11

  • 2013: U12
     

• Do you have girls’ teams? Yes, we offer girls-only teams, pending registrations. Girls can also play in mixed teams.
   

• Can I request my child to play with friends or a specific coach? Yes, you can request this during registration. While we try to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee them.
   

• When will I find out my child’s team? Teams are finalized once registrations are paid in full.
   

• Can my child play in a different age group? Playing up is only allowed if their current age group is full. Playing down is not encouraged and rarely allowed by Football Victoria.
   

• What happens if a team doesn’t have a volunteer coach? The club will try to find a paid coach, with the cost shared among players (approximately $200 extra per player).

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Games and Locations

• Where are Cobras home games played? At Victory Park, Patterson Rd, Bentleigh.
   

• Where are away games played? Games are at local soccer grounds in Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, and sometimes Frankston
   

• What time do MiniRoos and Juniors games start? MiniRoos games are usually scheduled between 9 AM and midday on Saturdays or Sundays.

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Rules and Referees

• What are the rules? Rules are set by Football Victoria and can be found at here.
   

• Who referees MiniRoos games? Parent volunteers referee MiniRoos games. Please be patient and respectful, as many are still learning. Abuse of referees will not be tolerated.

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Parent Involvement

• Are parents required to help on game day? Yes, parents are asked to assist with:

  • Setting up goals

  • Providing halftime fruit

  • Refereeing

  • Packing up goals

  • Acting as a linesperson (U12 team)

  • Acting as a marshal (U12 teams)

 

Equipment

• When can I collect training equipment for my team? Coaches will be notified when their equipment is ready for collection.
   

• When do I need to return the training equipment? An email will be sent to coaches with return instructions at the end of the season. Even if you plan to coach next year, all equipment must be returned for stocktaking and restocking.
   

• I need more training equipment. Who should I contact? Please contact miniroos@cobrasfc.com.au.

 

Volunteering and Coaching

• Can I volunteer at the club? Yes! The club is run by volunteers, and we appreciate any help. Contact miniroos@cobrasfc.com.au.
   

• What is the role of a Team Manager? They act as the main contact for the team, manage the team roster for game days, and provide club updates to the team.
   

• What is the role of a Team Coach? They run training sessions, encourage team spirit on game day, and try different game strategies. Volunteer coaches receive a fee discount for one player and full coaching support.
   

• Who coaches MiniRoos teams? Can I coach my child’s team? All MiniRoos coaches are parent volunteers. Yes, you can coach your child’s team! Without a coach and team manager, the team cannot train or play.

 

Training

• When and where is training held? Training is held at Victory Park on Wednesday evenings. Specific training times will be communicated once teams are allocated. If a team would like additional training, please discuss this with your team manager and coach. The ground is also available for training on Mondays and Fridays.
   

Communication

• How will my team communicate updates? Your team will use WhatsApp for communication. Please inform your coach or team manager of any absences.
   

• Who should I contact if I have a question? Start with your team manager. If they can't help, submit an enquiry form to the club. For feedback or suggestions, contact the MiniRoos Coordinator at miniroos@cobrasfc.com.au.
   

• How does the club communicate with parents during the season?

  • WhatsApp: Your team manager will create a group for weekly updates.

  • Email: The club will send important updates via email.

  • SMS: Urgent messages may be sent via text. Please ensure your contact details are up to date.

 

Child Safety

• How does the club ensure my child’s safety? All Coaches, Team Managers, and Committee Members must have a valid Working With Children Check.

  • A Child Protection Policy is in place 

  • Victory Park is a public venue, so parental supervision is encouraged.

 

Trials

• Do you hold trials or try-outs? No trials for community MiniRoos teams. Trials for high-performance teams are held at the end of each season via Conditioned for Football.