Night time footy’s a huge hit

With more grounds across the region being lit to match play standard, clubs are taking full advantage by scheduling evening and night time games, and the players are loving it!

It’s not just the top grades that are being given the chance. So far this season the prime timeslots have been given over to matches in the Under 17 and Under 15 competition and the youngsters are loving their place in the limelight … or in this case, in the floodlights!

Last night saw a double header between Sawtell Toormina Saints and Nambucca Valley Lions in the Under 15, followed by Sawtell Toormina Saints and Grafton Tigers in the Under 17. For many players, this was their first night time fixture and they all walked off the oval wanting more.

The next fixtures to be played under lights will be on Wednesday night (5 August) with another double header at Richardson Park involving the Saints against Coffs Harbour Breakers in Under 17, followed by the Saints and the Northern Beaches Blues in the Women’s competition.

Next Friday night the focus switches to Ellem Oval, Grafton when the Tigers host the Saints in Under 17.

Later in the season the Breakers will host Bellingen Bulldogs in round 9 action of the Under 15 competition, and the Doggies Youth Girls team will get their chance the next week (round 10) when the play Sawtell at Richardson Park.

This is a great initiative by our clubs and is providing a great opportunity for youth players who are absolutely loving it. No doubt the clubs will look to schedule more night time matches as the season continues.