Thursday, 4 April 2024
Community season kicks off with 10,000 more free footballs as Newcastle Permanent continues partnership
The 2024 community football season officially kicks off across the northern NSW region this weekend, with another 10,000 free footballs to be distributed to entry-level MiniRoos players.
The partnership between Northern NSW Football and Newcastle Permanent has supplied more than 125,000 free footballs to MiniRoos players since 2008 as well as vital football equipment to clubs across the seven member zones.
Newcastle Permanent will proudly continue as NNSWF’s major partner of community football for a 17th year.
The community football season starts across Football Far North Coast, North Coast Football, Football Mid North Coast and NNSWF - Northern Inland member zones this weekend.
Community football kicked off across the Hunter region with the start of the Zone Football League competition a fortnight ago.
Registrations have soared across northern NSW this season, with an incredible 53,990 participants registered as of 2 March. This number represents a 12 per cent increase compared to the same time last year, making 2024 the biggest year for football in the region ever.
Female participants make up 15,323 of total registrations, or 28 per cent. This is a 22 per cent increase on the same time last year.
Northern NSW Football CEO Peter Haynes said Newcastle Permanent were a valued, long-term major partner.
“We are thrilled that Newcastle Permanent will continue as our major partner of community football,” Peter said.
“This partnership has been ongoing for almost two decades now and in that time Newcastle Permanent’s support has ensured that the region’s largest sport remains affordable, fun and safe.
“We saw record participation rates across the region in 2023 and incredibly we have broken that record again so we look forward to another fantastic year of football. We wish every player, coach, match official and volunteer all the very best for the season ahead.”
Newcastle Permanent Chief Distribution Officer Paul Juergens said that 2024 would be another fantastic year for grassroots football.
“Being involved with an organisation that promotes teamwork, social connections and physical activity makes this partnership with Northern NSW Football a very proud one for us,” Paul said.
“With more than 125,000 free footballs distributed to entry-level players through this partnership, we know there are so many more kids who can experience the simple joy of having a kick around with their mates.
“We’ve been supporting Northern NSW Football since 2008 and we’re looking forward to another spectacular season in 2024.”
Newcastle Permanent also holds the naming rights to senior community football grand finals across Northern NSW Football’s seven member zones, NNSWF’s Primary School Gala days and NNSWF’s Junior Development League as part of the partnership.