Today, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF), announced the FFA National Youth Championships for Boys Draw for over 600 of Australia’s finest young footballers who are set to participate in at the end of the month.
This year marks the final year NNSWF has secured the rights to host this prestigious event since 2006, bringing teams from all over the country to play, shining a sporting spotlight on Coffs Harbour, from Monday 30 September until Friday 4 October 2019.
NNSWF Head of Football Development, Peter Haynes, said it has been a pleasure for NNSWF to have had the opportunity to host talented young players on the national stage.
“The Championships provide young players with the opportunity to benchmark themselves against the very best players in the country, they also play a valuable part in the Talented Player Pathway for boys,” Haynes said.
The 2018-19 NNSWF bid was supported by long-time partner Coffs Harbour City Council and Sports Unit, along with the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW all of which recognised the significance of the tournament as a catalyst for tourism and economic benefit to the Coffs Harbour region and the state of NSW.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the National Youth Championships play a crucial role in helping to grow the sport of football, as well as driving tourism to regional NSW.
“Tourism is vital to rural and regional communities, directly employing more than 90,000 people and contributing $19.5 billion to the NSW economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government is committed to sharing the best of the bush and our scenic coastline with the world, and it’s events like the National Youth Championships which bring new visitors to our beautiful regions.
“Coffs Harbour is wonderfully diverse. From ancient rainforest to a pristine marine park, the iconic Big Banana to stunning beaches, there is so much for competitors, coaching staff, as well as their families and friends to see and do in this region.”
The event attracts thirty-six (36) teams from around Australia who will represent their State and contest in two age divisions, 13 and 14 Years.
The Championships conclude on Friday afternoon where Champions will be decided before the presentation of trophies and medallions which will take place at 1:30 pm.
