Collingwood Magpies Kids Activities & Junior Membership Guide

So, you’ve got a little one whose eyes light up at the sight of the black and white stripes? Maybe they’ve already claimed Nick Daicos as their favourite player or they belt out “Good Old Collingwood Forever” with more passion than you do. Getting your kids involved with the Collingwood Football Club is about more than just watching the game; it’s about building family traditions, creating lifelong memories, and nurturing the next generation of the Magpie Army.

This guide is your practical playbook. We’ll walk through everything you need to know to get your kids fully immersed in the Collingwood world, from signing up for a junior membership to finding the best game-day activities. By the end, you’ll have a clear game plan to turn their passion into a fantastic, fun-filled part of growing up. Let’s get into it.

What You'll Need

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics covered. Thankfully, you don’t need much to get started—just enthusiasm and a few key things:

A Budding Magpie: This is the most important ingredient! A child who shows an interest in the Pies, whether they’re three or thirteen.
Internet Access: Most sign-ups, registrations, and information gathering happens online via the official Collingwood website.
Basic Details: Have your child’s name and date of birth handy for membership sign-ups.
A Sense of Adventure: Ready to embrace the noise, the excitement, and the occasional heart-stopping final quarter!

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Your Step-by-Step Game Plan

1. Secure Their Official Junior Membership

This is the absolute cornerstone. A junior membership is more than just a ticket; it’s a badge of honour. It makes them a formal part of the club and unlocks a world of benefits.

Head to the Collingwood website and navigate to the membership section. Look for the ‘Junior’ or ‘Kids’ categories. You’ll find options ranging from basic digital packs to full season ticket access. The packages often include:
An official membership card and pack (stickers, a badge, etc.).
A branded Magpies jumper or cap.
Exclusive digital content for kids.
Invitations to member-only events.

Pro Tip: Sign up during the off-season or early in the new year. This ensures the membership pack arrives before the season kicks off, building the anticipation. It’s a great Christmas or birthday gift!

2. Kit Them Out in the Black and White

Nothing makes a kid feel more part of the team than wearing the colours. Start with the classic black and white stripes—the Collingwood guernsey. You can get one with their favourite player’s number on the back, like Darcy Moore’s #30 or Scott Pendlebury’s iconic #10.

Don’t stop at the jumper. A beanie for the cold winter games, a scarf to swing after a goal, and some football boots for the backyard kick-to-kick complete the look. Visiting the club’s physical store at the AIA Centre or shopping online can be an event in itself.

3. Dive into Collingwood’s Rich History

The present team is exciting, but the club’s history is what makes it legendary. Turn story time into Magpies time.
Legends: Tell them about the famous names who’ve worn the stripes. You can read about them in our feature on the greatest players of all time.
The ‘G’ & Vic Park: Explain what makes the Melbourne Cricket Ground so special on Anzac Day, and share tales of the old fortress, Victoria Park.
The Copeland Trophy: Teach them that the best and fairest award is one of the highest honours a player can receive at the club.
The Rivalries: The passion of a match is amplified when you understand the history. Break down the storied clashes in our guide to Collingwood’s biggest rivalries.

4. Plan the Ultimate Game Day Experience

Watching on TV is one thing, but feeling the roar of the crowd is another. Here’s how to make a live game unforgettable for a kid:

Choose the Right Game: An afternoon game is often better for younger children than a night match. The Anzac Day clash is iconic, but huge blockbuster games can be overwhelming for a first-timer.
Get There Early: Explore the precinct. Walk around the ‘G, spot the team buses, and soak in the atmosphere.
Focus on the Fun: The game might be tense, but for kids, it’s about the experience. Get a hot pie, a footy record, and play “spot the player” during the warm-up.
Join the Chants: Teach them the simple chants. The “COLL-ING-WOOD” roar after a goal is a thrill they’ll never forget.

5. Engage with Club Activities & Programs

Collingwood runs fantastic programs specifically for young supporters.

Fly’s Kids Club: Named affectionately after coach Craig McRae, this is a dedicated program with special events, player meet-and-greets, and activities designed just for junior members. Keep an eye on your membership emails for invites.
AFL Auskick: This is the national entry-point for playing the game. Sign them up for a local Auskick centre—they’ll learn skills, make friends, and often get to play on the hallowed turf of the ‘G at half-time during a match.
School Holiday Clinics: The club often runs skills clinics during school breaks, where kids can train like their heroes.

6. Create Magpies Traditions at Home

Fandom is built on rituals. Create your own family traditions.
Watch Parties: Make a special snack for game day. Wear your jumpers even if you’re watching from the couch.
Kick-to-Kick: Head to the park after breakfast on a weekend and have a kick. Pretend you’re Nick Daicos weaving through traffic or Pendles hitting a target with laser precision.
Sing the Song: Win or lose (but especially after a win!), stand up and belt out the team song together. It cements the feeling of being part of the team.

7. Connect with the Magpie Army Community

Being a Pie is about community. Show them they’re part of something bigger.
Talk to Other Families: At games or local parks, you’ll spot other kids in black and white. A simple “Go Pies!” can start a friendship.
Follow Safely Online: The club produces great kid-friendly content. Watch the behind-the-scenes videos or player interviews together on the club’s official channels.
Check for Family Zones: At the ground, some areas are designated as family-friendly zones, which can be a more relaxed environment for young children.

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Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

DO Start Simple: Don’t overwhelm a four-year-old with a 3-hour historical documentary. Keep it light, fun, and age-appropriate.
DON’T Force It: If their interest wanes during a game, that’s okay. Bring a colouring book or a small toy. The association should be positive.
DO Be a Positive Role Model: Kids will mirror your behaviour. Cheer for the team, respect the umpires, and be gracious in both victory and defeat. Show them what it means to be a good supporter.
DON’T Neglect the Basics: Sunscreen, hats, and warm layers are non-negotiable for game day. A cold, sunburnt, or hungry kid won’t have a good time, no matter how well the Pies are playing.
DO Use the Resources: The club invests in junior engagement for a reason. Regularly check the Collingwood news and updates page for announcements about upcoming kids' events and initiatives.

Your Quick-Fire Checklist Summary

Ready to launch? Here’s your at-a-glance action plan:

• Sign up for an Official Junior Membership on the Collingwood website.


• Get the Gear: Purchase a Magpies jumper and some essential match-day merch.


• Share the History: Teach them about legends, flags, and iconic moments like the Anzac Day clash.


• Plan a Live Game: Choose a family-friendly match and go early for the full experience.


• Enrol in Activities: Look into Fly’s Kids Club, local AFL Auskick, or school holiday clinics.


• Build Home Traditions: Create fun, weekly rituals around watching or playing.


• Engage with the Community: Connect with other families in the Magpie Army.

Following this guide isn’t just about creating a young fan; it’s about gifting them a community, a passion, and a tapestry of unforgettable childhood memories—all in the famous black and white. Welcome to the nest