Junior footballers ready for new season

Toowoomba soccer prepares for another big season.

IN ACTION: Highfields Brumby player Jaidyn Ross (right) sends the ball downfield. Picture: Bev Lacey

FOOTBALL: The future of football in the Darling Downs looks bright.

Today marks the beginning of full football fixtures with the region's under-6 to under-12 kicking off their season.

Football Queensland South West zone administrator Janelle Sothmann said more young players had signed up this year.

"Generally numbers are up compared to last season,” Sothmann said.

"Some age brackets are up while others have a few less compared to 2017, but overall there are more teams and players.”

Players, parents and supporters are also enjoying the game more as they back a new program introduced last year.

Junior teams do not play for points or championships, however a new "competitive” program has been well received.

"Last year we split the under-10 and U11s into challenge and community divisions,” Sothmann said.

"Teams and players are monitored and graded with the better teams than being moved into the challenge division.

"It allows the better players to play against other similarly skilled players.

"It was well supported last season.”

The competition's main focus however is still the development of players.

"The primary goal is always the development of young players,” Sothmann said.

"We want them to have fun and enjoy the game.”

Originally published as Junior footballers ready for new season