Young players look up to Falcons

MORE than 1300 kids converged on Cooroy Sports Complex last Sunday, 14 August, for the annual rugby league Sunshine Coast Mini Mid Carnival.
Youngsters from as far south as Bribie Island and Caboolture and as far north as Gympie played in a round-robin style carnival alongside their idols, the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Queensland Rugby League operations manager Nathan McLean said 1350 kids registered for the event.
“(It) is a fantastic response and it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to meet and learn ball skills from the Sunshine Coast Falcons,” he said.
The event, once described as “the best carnival in Queensland for this age group” by the Brisbane Broncos, saw 15 fields in play at the same time with a total of 225 games played featuring under-sevens through to under-10s.
“It’s a fantastic way to wrap up the mini/mid-season and a real highlight for all the clubs involved. This year we are delighted to have the Gympie club attend making this our largest carnival yet,” Mr Mclean said.
“Every year participants receive a medal acknowledging their attendance at the carnival.”
Noosa Council community development co-ordinator Alison Hamblin said the council was pleased to welcome the event to Cooroy Sports Complex.
“As well as encouraging kids to get involved in local sport, the annual carnival showcases the quality venue the community has in Cooroy Sports Complex,” Ms Hamblin said.