Coffs Football 6s welcomes record 105 teams

COFFS Football 6s has blasted off for another sizzling summer season, with a record 105 teams hitting the pitch at Coffs Coast Synthetics last week.

The popular competition, running across three action-packed days, showcases players of all ages – proof that football has truly become a year-round passion on the Coffs Coast.

A total of 53 senior teams have entered, featuring 22 men’s sides across two divisions, along with 16 mixed and 15 women’s teams.

The juniors are equally well represented, with 52 teams competing across girls’ and boys’ divisions in the under-8, under-10, under-12, and under-14 age groups.

In the men’s competition, it was ’99 on Park’ who scored the first goal of the summer season with a free kick.

A clever stepover created enough space for Loic Prouin to slot the ball in the bottom corner.

But the celebrations were short-lived when their opponents ‘Net Six and Chill’ immediately scored and lived up to their namesake, winning the match 6-2.

North Coast Football General Manager Duncan Marchant praised the increased participation in the game.

“The fast-paced format, featuring smaller-sided matches and shorter games, puts the emphasis on fun, fitness, and the social side of football – a major part of its growing appeal,” he said.

“Football on the North Coast has become a sport players can play all year around.

“We are delighted to see juniors and seniors participate all year round, there’s a lot of health benefits not just including exercise but also mate ship and that regular social connection.

“As a result of the growth we are also able to provide employment opportunities to referees and staff all year round,” Marchant said.

The junior grand finals kick off played on Tuesday, 16 December, while the senior competitions will run through the summer with the grand finals on 2 March.

By David WIGLEY