Football bounces back to record numbers
Football across northern NSW has defied the odds and bounced back to record player numbers despite the disruption of the global pandemic.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said player registrations were equal or above numbers for the same time in 2019, across five of its seven Member Zones.
“We are confident the increase in registrations will continue during the traditional peak registration period of the last week of February, first week of March,” Eland said.
Northern NSW Football has seen player registrations almost keep up as the same period in 2019.
As of 3 March, registrations across Northern NSW Football were up to 33,133, which is only a five per cent decrease on 2019 and one per cent decrease on 2020.
Hunter Valley Football, Newcastle Football and Macquarie Football have already seen more than 19,000 players register across the three Member Zones.
Hunter Valley Football registrations were up to 4,719, a two per cent increase on 2019 and an almost one per cent increase on 2020.
Macquarie Football were up to 6,377 registrations, which is only a two per cent decrease on 2019 and one per cent decrease on 2020.
While Newcastle Football has already achieved 8,189 registrations.
“We believe the trend is reflective of the community’s confidence of the pandemic recovery, the desire to return to social interaction and the resilience and dedication of club volunteers who battled through the challenges of last season,” Eland said.
“Clubs in 2020 who came together, worked within the restrictions of COVID-19 and got on the pitch in a modified season are being rewarded now, through the return of loyal players.”
Parents and players are reminded there is still time to register with most clubs across northern NSW accepting player registrations.
To find a club and register visit www.northernnswfootball.com.au
Parents are reminded to claim the NSW Government Active Kids Voucher for $100 off their child’s registration fee.
