More players are needed to ensure our youngsters can form local teams.
DESPITE what seemed like a positive lead up to our junior rugby league and netball seasons, the future of these competitions in Bombala does not look bright!
The combined Registration Day that was held for the sports on February 23 was a considerable disappointment, and as we reported, only relatively low numbers signed up to take part in the seasons.
This was particularly the case for junior rugby league, which didn’t even get above a dozen players on the day, despite it being the 60th anniversary of schoolboys football in Bombala!
Since that time there have been a few more names gathered for both netball and football, but an urgent call is going out to all of those who are interested in getting involved to do so as soon as possible.
Both junior rugby league and netball are great ways for our young people not only to get active and enjoy a fun competitive sport, but also to socialise and integrate with other young people from different backgrounds.
Involvement in junior sports has benefits for entire families, and while some travel may be involved in junior football in particular, there are often ways that locals can work together to share the load.
The real danger of these low numbers is that those young people who do want to play may have to get involved in teams from the coast or Cooma just to get a game.
Netball is looking a little healthier than football at this stage, but both are in serious need of numbers to keep our junior sporting competitions alive and well in 2013.
Netballers can contact Sue Morgan on 6458 3267 or Rocky Badewitz on 6458 4429, with hopes that the Winter Competition can begin in early April.
Those junior football players who played last year now have the convenience of registering online at bombalajrl@leaguenet.com.au, while those who are signing up after a break or for the first time can contact Naomi Bruce on 6458 3205 or David Bruce on 0400 583 211.
Training afternoons start today, Wednesday, March 6 at 5.30pm till 6.30pm at the show ground, so that’s another chance to come along and register.
The first game for our junior footballers will hopefully be enjoyed at the Bibbenluke Carnival on March 23 should there be adequate numbers for teams.
Meanwhile, any players interested in having a game on the day for the Under 14s and 16s is encouraged to get involved in the Carnival as well, and can get their names down on the above numbers.
These Academy teams for the Bibbenluke Carnival will train on Saturday, March 10am at the touch ground.
Of course if more players do not sign up soon, the Bibbenluke Carnival will go ahead with no Bombala teams playing!
Our junior netball and rugby league competitions need you and you children, so get on board today and support the local competitions that give our young people so much.