Nelson Bay is home to Northern NSW Football's largest MiniRoos Kick-Off Program with 50 boys and girls enrolled this term.
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Martine Shaw, the MiniRoos Kick-Off Program coordinator and female participation officer for Nelson Bay Football Club, said it was "amazing" to see so many young children take part in the eight week program.
"This is our largest program yet," Shaw said. "We have been focusing on growing female participation in our club, and usually run the MiniRoos Kick-Off Program just for girls.
"This term we have opened it to boys and girls and we have just had a huge response, which is wonderful."
Kick-Off is a program that aims to introduce boys and girls aged 4 to 11 to football in a fun and supportive environment. Children take part in weekly sessions that build friendships and football skills.
Shaw said it the program also helped to build confidence.
"You can see the changes in some of the kids already," Shaw said. "Some of the young kids were really shy and timid in the first week and now they're out there running and jumping around with excitement."
With so many children taking part in the Nelson Bay Kick-Off program, which is held on a Monday afternoon at Tomaree Sports Complex, organisation is key.
A field is sectioned into four zones. Children are spilt up according to age and have a regular coach.
Shaw said Nelson Bay's Kick-Off program would not be the success it is without the club coaches who gave their time each week. The coaches are Andy McKenzie, Shaun Shelley, Vicki Haines, Kaylah Pisani, Chloe Debono, Jordan Hampshaw and Dave Campbell.
"We're really lucky to have these awesome coaches from the club who volunteer their time for this program," Shaw said.
The Bay program kicked off on November 4, which MiniRoos development officer Annelise Rosnell attended.
"When joining in with different groups I saw many smiles and heard plenty of laughter - exactly what we want in MiniRoos," Rosnell said. "The coaches were able to engage with the players and deliver quality practices in an effort to build confidence and skills in all players.
"[A] big congratulations to Nelson Bay FC and Martine Shaw for working so diligently to engage so many young players with the opportunity to play more football. I am looking forward to seeing this program aid young footballers to start their path to football success."
Shaw said the hope with the program is to spark an interest in football, which would translate into registrations for the club where children could continue their journey with the sport.