As the Northern Inland prepares for two huge elimination semifinals in the Premier League this weekend the region is also celebrating the release of registration figures that has the area leading the way.
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Premiers Oxley Vale Attunga are the only team not from Armidale remaining in the league, but they had to beat East Armidale in an elimination match last weekend to keep their season alive.
The Mushrooms will now head into the New England this Saturday for a semi-final showdown with minor premiers Demon Knights, while season leaders North Armidale just lost top spot in the final round but enjoyed the week off anyway before they host South Armidale in a huge derby.
South’s beat Tamworth FC last week to earn their shot and will be hard to stop with the momentum and confidence of a strong finish to the season behind them, although the Redmen have been the form team of the season.
Last week Northern NSW CEO David Eland was in town delivering the good news to Northern Inland chief Gavin Flanagan and Committee President Tim Coates that the region was in front of an already growing return to the round ball game, especially in female participation.
“The world game has surged again in the New england with a boost in bioth female and overall participant numbers this season,” Eland said.
“Northern Inland has reflected the upward trend found across all Northern NSW.”
The Northern Inland boasts 5927 registered players this season, up by over 7% on the previous season.
Entry level players aged between five and seven lead that growth with a jump of over 12%, while female participation is almost up 10%, and that is not including a few un-sanctioned female competitions in the region.
The Mushrooms had a perfect case in point for female participation in the final premier league round when Coach Coates selected talented youngster Phoebe Cave to become the first female to play first grade premier league.
Eland attributes the ongoing growth firstly to the local clubs and organisations, but also to increased exposure to world class tournaments such as the World Cup and Asian Cup.
“No doubt the popularity of the game is a reflection on the clubs,” Eland said.
“Grassroots is all about enjoyment and fun with friends and that comes down to great clubs and volunteers.”
This weekends first grade finals will see DK and OVA meet at Rologas 12 at 3pm on Saturday, while the Redmen and Scorpions clash at Phil Wheaton Oval.
