Fast FIVE5 has kicked off its biggest season yet, with a record 250 teams taking to the pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility last weekend.
Players aged six to 11 will fill the facility throughout the season, with participation jumping from 180 teams last year.
The milestone showcases how families across the region have embraced the format and highlights the continued appetite for football and the different ways families want to get involved in the game.
Fast FIVE5 gives young players another way to enjoy football outside the traditional club and winter competition model. The format brings friends together, gives families flexibility and creates another opportunity for children to get on the pitch each week.
The growth has also strengthened LMRFF's role as a home for football in the region. Fast FIVE5 adds another layer to the activity at the facility and gives more children the chance to play with their friends and build a love of football.
Football FIVE5 Administrator Connor Markovich said seeing the competition grow from 180 teams to 250 had been a fantastic reflection of what families wanted from football.
“To have 250 junior teams playing Fast FIVE5 at LMRFF every week is a huge achievement,” Markovich said.
“We had 180 teams last year, so to see that number grow to 250 is fantastic. It really shows how much families have embraced Fast FIVE5 and the opportunity it gives young players to play football in a different way.
“It’s fantastic to see so many kids coming through LMRFF every week. You see the families arriving, the kids getting out there and playing with their friends and that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re incredibly proud to give more young players the chance to play football, have fun and be part of the game.”
NNSWF LMRFF Venue Manager Kean Marshall said LMRFF had established itself as a home of football in the region and delighted to see the venue full of young players and families each week.
“LMRFF has really become a home of football in the region, so to see the facility full of kids and families each week is fantastic,” Marshall said.
“Having a quality facility where young players can come along, play with their friends and enjoy football is incredibly important. Seeing the pitches full and the facility buzzing is exactly what we want to see.
“It’s great to see the facility being used in this way and to know that more young players are getting the opportunity to experience football in a quality environment. We’re really proud of the role LMRFF plays in bringing the football community together.”
The senior and youth Football FIVE5 Summer League kicks off in September, with registrations closing soon. Don’t miss out, register HERE.