Sunday was a soccer gala day to remember as 85 teams took the field at Botanical Gardens, hundreds of players and families in town for the event.
It was also one to celebrate investment in our football stars of the future with the official opening of a purpose-built soccer club gym, the first in regional Australia.
Retired Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was on hand for the special occasion as the gym was officially opened by Member for Orange Phil Donato MP, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM and Forbes soccer coach and coordinator Doug Mckenzie.
Our Forbes U13 Girls Champions of Champions Squad put the new youth strength and conditioning gym to immediate use as special guests highlighted the importance of both events like the gala day and the facilities.
It's been co-funded by Forbes Shire Council and the NSW Government's Football Legacy Fund.
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“This unique gym is the first of its kind in regional Australia, being purpose-built for soccer-specific athletic development," Mr Donato said.
“The new gym forms part of a larger infrastructure upgrade, including a new canteen, female-compliant referee room, and refurbished club facilities."
Botanical Gardens was host to 85 teams of boys and girls aged seven to 16 from Leeton, Griffith, Hanwood, Young, Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn and more, who played more than 180 games across 11 fields.
Mr Donato said the continued success of the yearly event was testament to the leadership, passion and commitment of the event manager, Doug Mckenzie.
“This event not only invigorates the sport and nurtures increasing numbers of player participation, but it also contributes significantly to the Forbes local economy," Mr Donato said.
“The Gala Day has also proven the potential to identify country talent, with Forbes Juniors Josie McKenzie and Oliver Northey featuring at the Football Australia Emerging Matilda’s and Socceroos next month in Sydney and Melbourne."
Mayor Phyllis Miller described the day as fantastic, paying tribute to Mr Mckenzie for his advocacy for the club and Mr Donato for his support in getting funding.
Mckenzie said the facilities were an important part of youth development in the sport, as the club seeks to establish pathways for young players.
Read more about local juniors Josie Mckenzie and Oliver Northey on the back page.
