Football festival
RUSHFORTH Park, South Grafton, will be inundated with potential football stars tomorrow, when the Grafton City Soccer Club holds its annual carnival.
Grafton City president Al Robinson says the fields will be choc-full of talented youngsters showcasing their skills in the round-ball game.
And keeping with tradition, there will be no winners on the day. Just a chance for players to enjoy a sport that is slowly gaining momentum in the Clarence.
"It will be the third year we've run the carnival, with teams starting from under-6 right through to under-13," Robinson said.
"It's non-competitive. There is no ladder and no winners on the day.
"Basically it's a fun day where kids can relax and enjoy themselves.
"We're expecting about 1500 people, with most teams playing five to six games. Teams are coming from Coffs Harbour and as far north as Yamba.
"We have probably reached our capacity, with 54 teams competing, so every field at Rushforth Park will be utilised."
With a vast array of sport in the Clarence area at their disposal, kids have been flocking to junior football in recent years.
It is something Robinson admits is a positive sign for the sport.
"Soccer is still one of the most popular sports in Grafton. We have four clubs and still manage to compete against the other codes," he said.
"Some kids in primary school only play one sport, like hockey, and some play both hockey and soccer.
"I think we're holding our own with other sports in Grafton, which is evident by the number of teams which have nominated for Sunday's carnival."
The carnival is set to kick off at 9am and is expected to finish about 3pm.
