No, all registrations must go through PlayHQ. Keep your eyes peeled for information on our 2026 Family & Merchandise Day though!

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No. Players are not permitted to play down an age level in any grade. Occasionally an exemption may be granted upon application to the YJFL on medical grounds, supported by doctor’s advice and a medical certificate.

If you are looking for guidance on this question you should discuss with your previous season coach or contact the Club Football Director at [email protected].

As a guide, players wanting to be considered for the team in the highest grade, should see football as their priority sport in winter, be available for all training and matches in the season, appreciate that the focus of training is about match situation development, not be concerned whether their team mates are from their current friendship cohort and also be prepared to play a varied number of positions throughout the season.

We have had a successful grading policy that has been in operation for many years. This policy can be found at  https://camberwellsharks.com.au/policies/

For girls, the YJFL allows players to play up to two (2) age groups above their nominal age group where it is deemed appropriate by the relevant stakeholders of the club.  If you are interested in this option, you should address your request to [email protected].

For boys, all players must play in their correct age group, unless playing down due to a medical condition (this is subject to approval). 

Please note, all players must be registered into their correct age group prior to submitting a request to play up.

At registration you can nominate up to three friends that your child would like to be in a team with.  The club will guarantee they are grouped with at least one of those friends. If no names are listed we will randomly allocate that player into a team. This is for all returning and new players.

If for family and logistical reasons there are specific families that should be grouped together (limited to 3 families), please contact [email protected] for us to consider your request.

Yes. There will be reduced numbers of players on the field for U8s (12 player on field) and U9s (15 players). Oval sizes will be smaller. There is no scoring, ladder or finals for these age groups.

Girls football differs slightly to the boys also.  For more information on Female Football and rules associated, please follow this link to the YJFL page.

There is no tackling in U8s.

For U9s and U10s the following ‘Modified Tackle’ rule applies:

Modified Tackle – A player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. The tackle may be from either side or from behind, providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward player with the ball (i.e. push the player in the back). Bumping is not allowed.

For U11s and up full tackling is permitted.

Girls football differs slightly to the boys.  For more information on Female Football and rules associated, please follow this link to the YJFL page.

Information for the 2026 Pre Season will be released after the Christmas break.

Most teams train once a week between Tuesday and Thursday at Lynden Park. Football Operations will allocate grounds and times according to the team’s coach’s request and availability. Exact details for your team will probably not be bedded down until some point in March.

These will be announced via your Team Manager and will be found on our website once locked in.

The YJFL competition is played on Sundays with matches commencing between 8.45am and 3.00pm. The younger grades play earlier in the day, older grades later. U8s might expect the majority of their games to commence at 8.45am, but may get the odd game starting at 10.00am or even as late as 11.00am on occasions.

Mouthguards and merchandise information will come and will be advertised on our website and social media closer to the season.

Playing jumpers and headgear are provided by the club.

All new registrations receive a boots bag and socks.

Yes we do have a refund policy.

Due to the logistics around team structure including player numbers and coaching numbers, our refund policy is set that if you withdraw your child prior to 1st March, we will refund you the Club Levy less a $20 administration fee per child. Unfortunately, there will be no refunds for withdrawals after this date.

As you will be aware there is a Yarra Junior Football Club League Fee that is part of your child’s registration fee. This payment is separate to Camberwell Sharks and as a result the refund must be raised directly with the YJFL – [email protected]

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If you would like to join the Camberwell Sharks Junior Football Club from another club, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

It’s that easy !!!