Registrations are now open for the 2026 MiniRoos program at Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club (CGFC), with local families invited to be part of one of the region’s most vibrant junior sporting communities.
Running on Friday evenings at Soldiers Memorial Park in Chewton, MiniRoos is a fun, inclusive football (soccer) program for children aged four to nine. The program focuses on participation, confidence and connection, welcoming players of all abilities — whether they’re kicking a ball for the first time or building on existing skills.
More than just a sport, MiniRoos has become a weekly community gathering. With over 180 children involved last year, Friday nights see families coming together to connect, share food from the club BBQ and kiosk, and enjoy the energy of kids playing and learning together.
Coordinators Maddy and Jen say the focus for 2026 is on building an environment where every child feels supported and able to thrive.
“MiniRoos is about much more than football,” they said.
“It’s about creating a space where kids feel confident to participate, parents feel welcome, and the whole community comes together.”
This year, the program will introduce a number of small improvements to better support neurodivergent children and create a more inclusive experience for all participants.
As a fully volunteer-run program, MiniRoos also relies on local parents and carers to get involved as session leaders, assistants, or helpers across the evening.
“People don’t need a background in soccer to help out,” Maddy and Jen said.
“It’s about showing up, encouraging the kids, and being part of something positive.”
The 2026 MiniRoos season begins on Friday May 1 and runs across Terms 2 and 3.
Families can register: 2026 Coles MiniRoos New Participant Term 2 & 3 $160
https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120129&programID=774482026
Coles MiniRoos New Participant Term 2 only $95 https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120129&programID=77449
For enquiries or to get involved as a volunteer, contact Jen and Maddy at: cgfcsmallsided@gmail.com