Football NSW Takes MiniRoos And Football Development On The Road To The Riverina

Football NSW recently took its programs and football development opportunities on the road, with representatives undertaking a two-day tour of the Riverina, visiting Wagga Wagga and Griffith to deliver Coles MiniRoos Gala Days and connect with local clubs and associations.

The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with players, coaches, volunteers and administrators while strengthening the connection between regional football communities and Football NSW.

In Wagga Wagga, Football NSW representatives attended the Primary and Secondary School finals at Gissing Oval, where young players were able to enjoy a range of activities alongside their football.

Football Wagga Wagga Manager Liam Dendini welcomed the visit and highlighted the value of having Football NSW staff engaging directly with the local football community.

“On Monday, August 17th, it was fantastic to have Football NSW staff attend our Primary and Secondary School finals. The inflatable dartboard and Milo giveaways were a great attraction for our young footballers attending Gissing Oval,” Dendini said.

“Football NSW’s presence also allowed club members and the Football Wagga Wagga board to chat with Football NSW staff about the football landscape in our area and how we can continue to work together to build the clubs and associations in Wagga Wagga.”

The tour then continued to Griffith, where more than 120 children from local clubs participated across two Coles MiniRoos sessions at Ted Scobie Oval.

The sessions were supported by coaches from West Griffith SC and provided young players with an opportunity to learn, play and enjoy football in a fun and inclusive environment.

Griffith & District Football Association Registrar Naomi Stephens said the visit was particularly valuable given the opportunities available to young players in regional communities.

“It was fantastic to welcome Jamie, Jordan, Trevor and Aaron from Football NSW to Griffith, with more than 120 children from our local clubs taking part across the two Coles MiniRoos sessions,” Stephens said.

“Being in a regional community, our young players don’t always have access to the same opportunities that may be more readily available in metropolitan areas, so we really value Football NSW bringing programs like this to Griffith.”

Stephens said the importance of the sessions went beyond simply developing football skills.

“Coles MiniRoos is about so much more than learning football skills. It’s about giving kids a fun and inclusive environment where they can build confidence, make new friends and develop a love of the game,” she said.

“Seeing kids from different clubs come together, learn from different coaches and simply enjoy playing football was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. The kids also loved the Milo!”

The visit also provided an important opportunity for Football NSW to engage with local coaches, clubs and administrators and better understand the needs and opportunities within the regional football landscape.

“For associations like ours, having Football NSW actively engage with regional communities is really important,” Stephens added.

“These visits give our players access to new experiences, but they also help our coaches and clubs feel connected to the broader football community across NSW.”

Football NSW MiniRoos Development Officer Jordan Punzalan was part of the tour and said it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with two important regional football communities.

“It was fantastic to get out to regional NSW and visit both Football Wagga Wagga and Griffith & District Football Association,” Punzalan said.

“In Wagga we activated at the primary and secondary schools final series and in Griffith we had the opportunity to connect with clubs and run two Coles MiniRoos sessions at Ted Scobie Oval, supported by West Griffith SC coaches, with over 120 participants across both sessions.”

The two-day tour showcased the importance of bringing football programs directly to regional communities and ensuring young players, coaches and volunteers can access opportunities regardless of where they live.

For Football NSW, visits such as these are an important part of building strong relationships with member associations and clubs, while listening to local communities and supporting the continued growth of football across the state.

From school finals in Wagga Wagga to MiniRoos in Griffith, the Riverina tour was a celebration of football, community and the next generation of players.

And, of course, there was plenty of Milo along the way!