Junior Players
What does it mean to be a junior Ranger
As a Junior Ranger, you are part of a great club with a proud history that wants you to love your soccer, to play in a happy and fun environment, and to develop into the best player you can possibly be. You have experienced coaches who love the game as much as you do and can help you to develop your own game. Our sponsors support us and help us to give you access to great facilities and opportunities. Our dedicated parents and volunteers are always there helping out and making it possible for you to play. So let’s remember to always be polite and thankful for all the things that they do for us!
PLAYER CODES
All Geelong Rangers players, including Juniors, must always follow the rules of the Club and of the Football Victoria (FV):
- FV Code of Conduct
- Geelong Rangers Player Code of Conduct
We’ve included these codes on our Policies & Codes page. We recommend you take some time out with a parent or older friend to read these codes so that you understand and can follow the rules.
BECOMING A BETTER PLAYER
Whether it’s your soccer or anything else you try, achievement is generally a combination of skills, attitude and commitment. If you work hard on improving your skills, develop a great attitude and make a full-on commitment to your team and to your own development as a player, you give yourself the chance to become the best player you possibly can be. Here are some tips to help you.
Behavior
Skills
- Listen to your coach… they’ve been around this game a while and have good reasons why they tell you the things they do. They want you to become a great player too!
- Practice a little every day if you can… great ball skills come from handling the ball so often that you don’t have to think about it.
- Watch soccer games at the club and on TV… watch what the players are doing when they have the ball, and when they don’t
- Borrow books from the library, watch videos or read about training tips and techniques online
Attitude
- Always show good sportsmanship on the field – it’s no fun playing with someone who’s a bad sport and it will limit your development in the future! Make sure you encourage your team mates, respect your opponents, accept the coaches’ and the referees’ decisions, and never resort to trash-talking or swearing.
- Remember that you are part of a team, and the team needs to work together to win. Just being a good individual player is only part of the skill you need… being a great team player makes you even better!
- Enjoy the game and stay positive… you’ll have ups and downs, but if you stay committed and keep working on your game, you can only get better in the long run.
COMMITMENT
- Make sure you turn-up to training… on time! If you are regularly late or a no-show at training, people will assume that you’re not that committed to the team.
- Be organised – make sure you have all your gear and get used to packing and organising it yourself!
- Come to club social events whenever you can. It’s a great way of getting to know your team mates and coaches, and helping out the club as well.
- Encourage your family to come along to our Family Meal Nights on Thursday or Friday night. It’s a great way to spend some fun time getting to know your team mates.