Whole family involvement has been the key to the growth of the Bega Bombers Football club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Three years ago when the club elected to concentrate on the development of its juniors we had trouble fielding full teams," club president Stephen Nicol said.
"This year we’re confident enough to enter two new teams in the SCAFL competition," he said.
He praised family support and the new Active Kids program for that growth.
Nicol said he was stunned by the team lists. "There are whole families, brothers, sisters and sometimes mothers turning out in the Bombers colours every week."
"Our younger teams play in a mixed competition, so it’s not unusual to see a brother and a sister playing side-by-side," Nicol said.
"This means that families can travel together as a family each weekend and play sport as a family."
Meanwhile, the Active Kids program ensured families a discount of $100 on registration for every school-aged child to promote healthy lifestyles and playing sport.
"We’re a club of families," Nicol said. "Many of us are raising three or more children, so we know exactly how expensive it can be for kids to play sport. We’ve structured the club so that, using the government grant, kids play free.
"The club provides shorts, socks and jumper and we even have a box full of recycled boots. A family of four could turn up, be fully outfitted and not have to pay a penny."
He said a key facet for the Bega Bombers was that growth had not come at the expense of other sporting codes, but the program was helping entice new players into sport.
The Bombers will field mixed teams in the under 10s, under 12s and under 14s in the Sapphire Coast AFL draw this year. The club will also have an under 16s team for boys, while any females over 15 are set to play in the women's team.
Families are invited to come and register on Saturday at the Roy Howard Oval under the Bega bridge from 10am until 2pm.
There will be a barbecue as well as club coaches on hand to meet with parents and new players. The club has also planned some family-fun games for the day.
"Experience isn’t necessary just the decision to have a try," Nicol said.
