New Players & Families – Start Here

New to Darebin United or community football? This guide explains how to choose the right program, submit an Expression of Interest, understand trials and team placement, and complete registration when a place is offered.

Start here: joining in 2027

2027 Player EOIs are open — close Sunday 11 October 2026.

Start by exploring the programs below. Then use the preparation checklist to submit your Player EOI. The club will contact you about the next step; registration follows when a place is offered.

Find the right program

Program	Explore your options
Coles MiniRoos Kick-Off	An introduction to football for younger beginners. Explore Kick-Off
MiniRoos U7–U11	Fun, inclusive football that builds confidence, skills and enjoyment. Explore MiniRoos
Juniors U12–U17	Development and community competition for boys and girls. Explore Juniors
Girls & Senior Women	Junior girls and senior women’s football options. Explore Girls & Women
Senior Men	U18, U23, Metropolitan and State League programs. Explore Senior Men
Apollo Academy	Additional technical development and skills training. Explore the Academy

Compare all programs

Prepare and submit your Player EOI

Once you have explored the programs above, work through these steps to prepare and submit your Player EOI.

Step	What to check or prepare
1. Confirm the age group	Use the player’s birth year to confirm the age group for your chosen program. Football age groups may differ from school years. Check age group
2. Check the season commitments	Review dates, fees and uniform requirements before expressing interest. Grading dates may change, and some sessions may not proceed if teams are full. 2027 Trials & Grading Fees & inclusions Uniforms & club shop
3. Gather your details	Have the player’s full name, date of birth and chosen program ready, plus previous club or team, playing experience and relevant availability. Prepare a parent or guardian’s name, email and mobile number for a junior player.
4. Submit your EOI	Complete one form per player, including the required information and acknowledgements. New and returning players are welcome. Submit 2027 Player EOI

After your EOI

Stage	What families can expect
Confirmation	Look for confirmation that your EOI has been recorded.
Your next update	The club reviews demand, coaches and squad capacity, then contacts you about grading, an offer, a waitlist or any further information needed. Keep your contact details current and respond by the deadline provided. 2027 Trials & Grading
Registration	If offered a place, follow the club’s registration and payment instructions. Registration process

More about what happens next

Questions? Find the answer

Question	Answer
Is a place guaranteed?	No. Places depend on player numbers, coaching, squad capacity and any required grading process.
Can we request friends or training days?	You can provide relevant preferences, but the club cannot guarantee team or scheduling requests.
When do we pay?	During formal registration, after the club issues an offer or registration instructions.

Registration FAQs

Need help choosing a program or completing the next step?

Contact the club

2027 season overview

Fields