Stoneham Park is Kawerau’s premier destination for football enthusiasts, featuring well-maintained regulation-sized pitches, dedicated training areas, and essential club facilities. Located in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, this community hub supports local leagues, youth development programs, and regional tournaments, offering ample parking and spectator amenities for a complete match-day experience.
As the cornerstone of recreational sport in the district, Stoneham Park soccer facilities represent more than just a place to play; they are a vital component of the Kawerau Regional Growth & Lifestyle Hub. Whether you are a visiting team manager, a local parent looking for youth programs, or a club administrator organizing a tournament, understanding the layout and logistics of Stoneham Park is essential. This guide provides an in-depth look at the fields, amenities, and community programs that make this venue a standout location in the region.
Field Layout and Technical Specifications
Understanding the geography of the Stoneham Park soccer complex is crucial for players and coaches alike. The park is designed to accommodate various levels of play, from junior development leagues to senior competitive matches.
Main Pitch Configuration
The facility is anchored by its primary competition pitches. These fields are maintained to meet regional standards, ensuring a flat, consistent playing surface that minimizes injury risk and promotes high-quality football. The main pitch is typically oriented to avoid direct sunlight interference for goalkeepers during morning and afternoon matches. The dimensions adhere to standard FIFA recommendations for community football, providing ample width for tactical play.
Training Grounds and Warm-Up Areas
Adjacent to the main pitches, Stoneham Park offers designated areas for training and pre-match warm-ups. These spaces are vital for preserving the quality of the main match turf. During the winter season, these areas see heavy utilization by local clubs for midweek training sessions. The layout allows for multiple squads to train simultaneously without interference, utilizing portable goals and cone-marked grids.
Turf Maintenance and Drainage
One of the critical aspects of the facility is its drainage capability. Kawerau can experience varying weather conditions, and the grounds team employs specific turf management strategies to ensure games proceed even after rainfall. Regular aeration, sanding, and mowing schedules are strictly adhered to by the local council and groundskeepers to maintain the “Stoneham Park soccer” standard that visiting teams expect.
How to Book Stoneham Park for Clubs and Events
Securing field time at Stoneham Park requires adherence to specific protocols managed typically through a collaboration between local sports clubs and the Kawerau District Council.
Council vs. Club Jurisdiction
While the land is public, organized sports usage is regulated. For casual use, the park is generally open to the public. However, for organized matches, tournaments, or recurring training slots, a formal booking is mandatory. The Kawerau District Council oversees the allocation of the grounds to ensure equitable access and to prevent over-usage that could damage the turf.
The Application Process
To book the fields, event organizers must submit a request well in advance. This process involves:
- Availability Check: Consulting the master schedule to avoid conflicts with existing league fixtures.
- Liability Insurance: Most organized events require proof of public liability insurance.
- Fee Structure: Depending on the nature of the event (commercial vs. community non-profit), different fee structures may apply.
Priority Allocations
Priority is invariably given to official league matches sanctioned by the regional football federation (WaiBOP Football). Local clubs based in Kawerau also hold historical tenure for training slots. If you are an external group looking to host a friendly match or a corporate sports day, it is advisable to target the off-season or summer months when league pressure on the fields is lower.
Weekend Match Schedules and Season Structures
The rhythm of life at Stoneham Park is dictated by the football season, which traditionally runs from April through September.
Understanding the WaiBOP Draw
Stoneham Park serves as a home ground for Kawerau-based teams competing in the Bay of Plenty competitions. The match schedules are determined by the WaiBOP Football Federation. Fixtures are usually released weekly or in block stages. It is essential for spectators and players to check the official federation website or the local club’s social media pages for the most up-to-date kick-off times, as these can change due to weather or referee availability.
Saturday Morning: Junior Football
Saturday mornings are the busiest time at the park. From as early as 8:30 AM, the fields are subdivided into smaller pitches for junior grades. This high-energy atmosphere features multiple games occurring simultaneously. Parents should be aware that parking is at a premium during these hours. The transition from junior games to youth grades usually happens around 11:00 AM.
Saturday Afternoon: Senior Competitive
By 12:30 PM or 2:30 PM, the senior men’s and women’s teams take to the main pitches. These games attract a different crowd and offer a higher intensity of football. The schedule for these matches is rigid, with strict adherence to FIFA protocols regarding start times and halftime durations.
Sunday Leagues and Tournaments
Sundays are often reserved for women’s leagues, age-group tournaments, or rescheduled fixtures. Occasionally, Stoneham Park hosts regional festivals which utilize every square meter of grass available, drawing teams from Whakatane, Rotorua, and Tauranga.
On-Site Amenities: Parking, Toilets, and Seating
A great football facility requires more than just goal posts. The supporting infrastructure at Stoneham Park is designed to make the experience comfortable for players and spectators.
Parking Facilities
Parking is a critical consideration for any venue. Stoneham Park offers designated parking areas, but capacity can be tested during major tournament days. Visitors are encouraged to carpool where possible. The parking layout allows for safe pedestrian flow, separating vehicle traffic from the areas where children congregate before games. Accessible parking spots are available near the main entry points for those with mobility requirements.
Changing Rooms and Ablutions
The facility includes changing rooms equipped with showers and toilets. These facilities are essential for visiting teams traveling from outside the district. Cleanliness and maintenance are managed by the council and local club volunteers. Access to changing rooms is typically unlocked by team managers prior to kick-off. Public toilets are also available for spectators, distinct from the player changing areas.
Spectator Seating and Shelter
While Stoneham Park does not feature a massive stadium grandstand, there are designated viewing areas. Many locals bring their own folding chairs or picnic blankets, utilizing the grass embankments that offer excellent vantage points of the pitch. There is limited sheltered seating near the clubrooms, which is highly coveted during the wet winter months. Spectators are advised to bring umbrellas and adequate weather protection, as the park is open and exposed to the elements.
Youth Soccer Programs in Kawerau
Youth development is the heartbeat of Stoneham Park. The local programs are designed to foster a love for the game while developing technical skills and social confidence.
First Kicks and Fun Football (Ages 4-8)
The entry-level programs, often referred to as “First Kicks,” focus on fun and participation. These sessions run on Saturday mornings and utilize small-sided games to maximize ball contact. The goal is not winning, but engagement. Volunteer coaches guide children through basic drills that improve coordination and teamwork.
Junior Competitive Grades (Ages 9-12)
As players mature, they transition into competitive grades. Here, the focus shifts slightly to include positional awareness and tactical understanding, although skill acquisition remains the priority. Teams formed at Stoneham Park compete against other clubs in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, requiring some travel, but home games are played on the familiar turf of Stoneham.
Pathways to Senior Football
The ultimate goal of the youth programs is to feed talent into the senior men’s and women’s teams. The club culture encourages senior players to assist with junior coaching, creating a mentorship cycle that strengthens the community bond. Talented youth players are often identified for regional federation representative teams, using Stoneham Park as their launchpad.
A Visitor’s Guide to Match Day
If you are visiting Stoneham Park for the first time, a few local tips can enhance your experience.
Weather Preparation
Kawerau enjoys a unique microclimate, often warmer than surrounding areas, but winter mornings can be crisp. Layered clothing is recommended. The ground drains well, but heavy mid-winter rains can make the sidelines muddy, so appropriate footwear (gumboots or sturdy trainers) is advised for spectators.
Food and Beverage
During match days, the local club often operates a canteen or tuck shop selling hot food, coffee, and snacks. This is a primary fundraiser for the club, so supporting it helps maintain the equipment and facilities. Alternatively, the park is located relatively close to Kawerau town center, where visitors can find cafes and supermarkets.
Code of Conduct
Stoneham Park enforces a strict Code of Conduct regarding spectator behavior. Abuse of referees, players, or coaches is not tolerated. The environment is family-focused, and visitors are expected to uphold the values of fair play and respect.
Stoneham Park’s Role in Regional Growth
Stoneham Park is more than a collection of sports fields; it is a strategic asset in the Kawerau Regional Growth & Lifestyle Hub initiative. High-quality recreational facilities are a key driver for attracting young families to the area.
Promoting Active Lifestyles
By providing accessible, high-quality facilities, the park encourages physical activity among residents, combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting public health. The presence of organized sports leagues fosters social cohesion, bringing together diverse demographics within the Kawerau community.
Economic Benefits
Hosting tournaments and visiting teams brings economic activity to the town. Visiting families purchase fuel, food, and supplies, injecting revenue into local businesses. As Kawerau continues to grow, the importance of Stoneham Park as a central lifestyle hub will only increase, necessitating ongoing investment and community support to maintain its high standards.
People Also Ask
Where is Stoneham Park located in Kawerau?
Stoneham Park is centrally located in Kawerau, New Zealand. It is easily accessible via the main town roads. Visitors can typically find it by navigating towards the primary sports precinct area designated by the Kawerau District Council.
Do I need to pay to watch games at Stoneham Park?
Generally, there is no admission fee to watch local league games at Stoneham Park. It is a community facility open to the public. However, specific high-level regional tournaments or special fundraising events might occasionally request a donation or entry fee.
Can I walk my dog at Stoneham Park?
While many parks in New Zealand are dog-friendly, restrictions often apply to active sports fields to protect the turf and player safety. It is best to keep dogs on a leash and off the playing surfaces, especially during match times. Always check local council signage at the park entrance for the most current bylaws.
How do I join a soccer club in Kawerau?
To join a club, you should contact the local Kawerau sports or football club directly. They usually have a presence on social media (Facebook) or a website where they post registration dates, typically in February or March before the winter season begins.
Are there floodlights for night games at Stoneham Park?
Stoneham Park is equipped with training lights to facilitate evening practice sessions during the winter. However, whether these lights meet the lux standards required for official competitive night matches depends on the specific field and grade of competition.
Is alcohol allowed at Stoneham Park?
Alcohol policies are strictly regulated. Generally, alcohol is prohibited on the sidelines of youth games. Consumption is usually restricted to designated areas, such as the clubrooms, during licensed hours. Bringing your own alcohol to the sideline is typically against local bylaws and club codes of conduct.
