Lakes Football Club Invitational Tournament

Rotorua | 26–27 September 2026

Over two exciting days, teams from across New Zealand will compete in a fast-paced tournament designed to provide plenty of football, great competition and an unforgettable Rotorua experience.

Every team is guaranteed 8 matches across the weekend, with every side playing through to a final placing.

Tournament Grades

Boys

• Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Grade 13 and Grade 14

Girls

• U9, U11, U13 and U15

Tournament Information

Venue Puarenga Park Rotorua, New Zealand

Dates Saturday 26 September 2026 Sunday 27 September 2026

Entry Fee $500 per team

Entries Limited to 8 teams per grade in the inaugural tournament. We may have room for more teams in lower grades. (We may consider more than 1 team per grade for bigger clubs, email admin@lakesfc.co.nz to enquire)

Tournament Format

Every team will play:

✅ Guaranteed 8 matches

Following pool play, every team progresses into either the Cup or Plate competition, ensuring every team plays for a final placing.

Match Format

• 15 minute halves

• 5 minute half time

• 5 minute changeover between matches

• Matches controlled by central tournament hooter

• All games start and finish on the hooter

Team Information

• Maximum squad size: As per the below table. 

• Players may only represent one team during the tournament.

• All results entered immediately after the game by the team manager. 

• Teams are responsible for ensuring all players are eligible for their grade. Standard dispensation rules apply. If any doubts email admin@lakesfc.co.nz

Playing Rules

The tournament will follow the current New Zealand Football Laws of the Game, with any tournament-specific modifications outlined in the Managers Handbook.

These include:

• Rolling substitutions

• Sin bins (at the referees discretion)

• Match duration

• Finals procedures

• Protest process

Finals

Every team plays through to a final placing.

The top teams from pool play compete for the Cup, while remaining teams compete for the Plate.

Awards will be presented to:

• Cup Champions

• Cup Runner-up

• Cup Third Place

• Plate Champions

Referees

Qualified referees will officiate all matches where possible from the oldest grades down. 

Respect towards referees is expected from all players, coaches and spectators.

Fair Play

The Lakes Football Club Invitational Tournament is built around our club values.

We ask all participants to:

• Respect referees

• Respect opponents

• Respect volunteers

• Encourage positive sideline behaviour

• Play hard, play fair

Poor behaviour may result in removal from the venue or disciplinary action.

Food & Facilities

• Food vendors available throughout the weekend

• Coffee

• Toilets

• First Aid

• Plenty of parking

Results

Live fixtures, ladders and results will be available throughout the weekend at www.lakesfc.com

Entries

Spaces are limited.

With only 8 teams per grade, we encourage clubs to register early to avoid disappointment.

Enter your team today!

Grade 9 Boys, U9 Girls

Format: 5 v 5

8 Players (Recommended Team Size - Can be more or less)

Grade 10 Boys, Grade 11 Boys and U11 Girls

Format: 7 v 7

10–12 players

Grade 12 Boys, Grade 13 Boys and U13 Girls

Format: 9 v 9

12–14 players

Grade 14 Boys and U15 Girls

11 v 11

15–16 players