Narrogin’s Festival of Soccer an all-ages extravaganza at Thomas Hogg Oval

A massive group of children converged on Thomas Hogg Oval on Saturday, March 18 to take part in the Narrogin Festival of Soccer.

Event organiser Mark Tenney was pleased with the turnout and the festival atmosphere at the event.

“It just shows how much people love the world game and that there’s a huge interest in Narrogin,” he said.

Soccer clinics for the 118 children from the Narrogin and Collie regions that registered for the event began at 11am.

Playing fields of all sizes were set up around the oval as well as several large skill-testing areas.

Collie Power Soccer Club president Shane Cole helped Tenney organise the event.

“The event went really well, it was huge,” Cole said.

“After the skill sessions we held an under-12 boys and under-12 girls match.

“The soccer darts were provided through sponsorship from Optus, and the skill sessions were run by the Country Coastal Junior Soccer Association, as well as Collie Power volunteers.”

Unfortunately, the Mt Barker women’s soccer team was unable to make it to the festival.

The afternoon senior women’s game went ahead, however, with participants forming a mixed team to take on Collie Power.

Collie Power’s men’s team faced the Narrogin men’s squad for a game in the afternoon.

“The score doesn’t matter,” Cole said.

“The Narrogin boys wore their heritage club strips, which were sponsored by Narrogin Eagles Sporting Club, Narrogin Rev Heads and Betta Electrical.”

Following an action-packed day at Thomas Hogg Oval, a few drinks were shared before a large group of senior soccer fans enjoyed a dinner together at the Duke of York Hotel. “To see that many kids playing soccer is an absolute joy,” Cole said.

“I grew up with soccer as a kid — my son and daughter came over from Collie for the day.

“Just seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces makes it all worthwhile.”