Registration FAQ

1. Why do I have to pre-register with the Club?
Fairness: We have many players eager to join FC Birrarung. By prioritizing existing players with early registration, we can confirm team capacities before Christmas, allowing us to inform players on the waiting list in a timely manner.
Supporting Volunteers: Registration can be a resource-heavy task, particularly in January when many volunteers are on holiday. This early process eases the load on our volunteers.
Planning: Accurate player numbers by December help us secure our annual permit with the City of Melbourne. Access to fields depends on the age and gender distribution of players.

2. What if I’m unsure about next year’s plans?
 We understand that plans can change. You will still be able to register in January/February, provided there are available spots. Team capacities will be filled in this order:

1. 2025 Players who pre-register by 1 October 2025.
2. New player who pre-register from 2nd October on first-come first serve basis, until teams are full
3. New players who join the waiting list because teams in their age-group are full. Wait list players will be contacted in February-March 2026 if any spots opens up.

3. What if I register now but change my mind?
 You may withdraw your registration at any time. Please note that pre-registration fees are not-refundable except where:

1. FCB has insufficient registration to run a team in that age group in 2026

2. A player is accepted in NPL and advises FCB they will not play with FCB by 1st December of the year before the season begins.

4. Can I change teams or request to play with friends?
 Yes, the pre-registration form includes space to indicate your team preferences, age group, or preferred teammates. Our player allocation policy may also guide you in making your preferences known.

5. My child was in Pups last year. What should we do?
If your child is moving up to a team (turning 7 in the next year) for the competition season (April–September, with pre-season starting in late February), please complete the pre-registration form.
For returning Pups, no action is needed now. Pups registration will open in March in 2026.

6. I have another child that would like to join FC Birrarung next year. Can I add them on the club pre-registration form?
No, sorry, you must first add them to our waitlist by completing this form:  FCB 2026 season waitlist However we are a family club and siblings are given priority on the waitlist. Once pre-registrations close we will know if there are any places available and contact you.

7. What are the Fees for 2026 Season?
Fees for the 2026 season are still being finalised but they are expected to be similar to 2025. FC Birrarung is a community club committed to keeping our fees affordable for all. The pre-registration deposit of $100 will be deducted from the final 2026 fee. 

8. I have a Health Care Card (HCC). What are my fees?
Juniors: FC Birrarung has a policy to support financial hardship & offers a sponsorship program to holders of a Health Care Card. You still need to pre-register and pay the $100 fee. Please indicate on your registration form that you hold a Health Care Card and we will contact you to confirm.

Seniors: Full fees - HCC discount does not apply.

9. What time and days are Training?

Training nights are set by each team’s volunteer coach based on their availability. This will be confirmed in early 2026. For junior teams, training is typically held one or two evenings per week — usually on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons or early evenings.

10. When does the Season start?

Pre-season training usually begins in late February or early March, with the first round of games kicking off in late April. The season generally finishes in late August or early September, with teams qualifying for finals continuing into September.

11. When are games played?

All teams, except for our Senior Men’s team (who play Saturday afternoons), play their matches on Sundays. Kick-off times vary — younger age groups tend to play earlier in the morning, while older teams play later in the morning or early afternoon.
Games are held either at our home grounds at Princes Park or at the opposing club’s grounds, typically within the northern suburbs. For longer travel distances, team parents usually coordinate transport arrangements together.

12. What are the Age Groups, and what do they mean?

We cater for players from our MiniRoos (ages 5–11) through to Junior (ages 12–18) and Senior teams. Players are placed in age groups based on their age as of December 31 in the registration year.

e.g U10: Born in 2016

e.g U12: Born in 2014

e.g U16: Born in 2010

13. What is the Expression of Interest Form?

New players are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest once registrations open (from 2 October). Team placement depends on availability, with priority given first to siblings of existing players and then on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be contacted by the club if a position becomes available in your age group.

Timeline:

1 October: Pre-registrations for 2025 players close

2 October: External registrations open

November-February: Team formation takes place. If you are currently on our 2026 waitlist, we will contact you as soon as a spot is available for your child. Please have patience while our team work through this large workload. 

14. I need more information about Uniforms 

For more information regarding Uniform, please click HERE.

15. I have not been involved in Football before, how does the game work?

If you would like to learn more about the rules of the game and general game information, please see the Football Victoria Club Handbook HERE to learn more.

16. I need more information before I pre-register.
For specific queries, please email us at administration@fcbirrarung.com. However, team preferences and other requests will need to be submitted via the pre-registration form.