How junior Coast club has kept competition going

THE footy has stopped but the competition goes on.

THE footy has stopped but the competition goes on.

Parkwood Sharks and their 250-odd juniors may be one of the smaller clubs on the Gold Coast but they are finding ways to stay at the centre of the game’s rebuild.

President Ronan Byrne acknowledges his club, like all others, is finding ways to cope during the coronavirus lockdown … and some junior female players are pitching in.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT THE BULLETIN FACEBOOK SPORTS FORUM

The under-14s, 16s, 18s and open players started a weekly exercise challenge that quickly evolved from quirky to legitimate competition across the southeast.

“They were competing online and had some healthy competition with some prizes,” Byrne said.

“They then pass it on and other clubs found out and now it involves not only their team but other teams around the district.

Parkwood Sharks rugby league club and their weekly exercise challenge.

“It’s great because we have teams from all across the southeast now taking part.”

Parkwood, though, can’t escape the understandable questions around registration fees.

“The biggest concerns for members are around the finances,” said Byrne, who has a 25-year association with the club.

SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR FULL ON FOOTY GOLD COAST NEWSLETTERS

“’How much will we be charged to play in a restricted competition?’. We haven’t got an answer yet because we’re waiting to hear back from insurance and whether or not that will be reduced.

“There have been questions and basically, like most clubs here, we’re transferring fees to 2021.

“The only slight concern we have (about player numbers) is losing a few for 2020 and then they’ll come back next year.”

Operating with a “handful” of people that keep the club running, Byrne said Parkwood are somewhat fortunately placed.

“Being one of the smaller clubs it means it’s been less of an impact,” he said.

“We were pretty streamlined as we were and we were lucky that we own the building that we operate out of.

“We have a kitty aside to help with maintenance and that will take a bit of a hit but we’re doing OK.”