There is much anticipation surrounding the upcoming Lower Mid North Coast Junior Rugby competition, kicking off this Friday night in Nabiac.
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After months of planning in partnership with the NSW Waratahs and almost a year in the making, the zone is extremely excited about the prospects of the formation of junior rugby in the region.
Following on from the highly successful competitions in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour where more than 300 children have been running around each weekend, the future is very bright for the area.
Coach and junior advocate Lee Sullivan, a local primary school teacher, believes now is the time to introduce boys and girls to the game. Sullivan has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years and feels the region has been crying out for junior rugby.
“Last year the Lower Mid North Coast entered several teams in the Coffs Challenge, as well as the State Junior Cup held in Forster and the players loved it. I found they were wanting more exposure to the sport.
"This is a starting point and whilst it may be small and once word catches on, I know the competition will grow.
"The zone has focused on 2019 as a development phase and the strategic plan is for 2020 to be a full competition across ages eight to 16," Sullivan said.
Both local boys and girls have been meeting and taking part in several come and try sessions during the past month.
“Many of the players I have watched in Forster, Gloucester and Nabiac have never played the sport before, but have walked away having thoroughly enjoyed themselves and keen to come back next week with a mate," Sullivan said.
The NSW Waratahs rolled out the 'Get into Rugby' during the week, a program aimed at introducing players to the game from touch sevens and tackle sevens to 15s. This will be on show in Nabiac.
The region had Emily Cherry from the Australian Women’s Sevens team announce the Lower Mid North Coast would be participating in this each Friday by qualified coaches.
“The program is heaps of fun and is a great way to meet new friends and be introduced to the sport of rugby union," she said.
Under eights through to under 14s, both girls and boys, kicks off on March 1 at 6pm in Nabiac. The cost is $45 and players will receive shorts, socks, bag and training shirt.
