Football is fair booming across the North Coast, and none more so than at Bellingen FC where the famed club is bursting at the seams.
“We’re very excited about this season,” club president Peter Barron – in his first year at the helm – said.
“Our junior numbers are surging like alfalfa sprouts. Our MiniRoos and Under 9s are really good. Across the ages where we’ve thought we’d have one team, we’ve had two, and where we thought we’d have two teams, we’ve had three,” Peter said.
The good news story doesn’t end there – with all new local sponsors onboard, paving the way for a fresh look.
“All of our competitive teams will have brand new shirts – with black and white vertical stripes like Newcastle in the EPL,” Peter said.
The senior teams are also looking strong, particularly in the men’s, with teams ready to rock in the 2nd and 3rd division competitions.
Renowned as a club with a war chest of talented juniors, Peter said it was hard to pinpoint the ‘secret’.
“When it comes to young talent it’s a bit of a lucky dip prize at times. But our coaches are really dedicated,” he said.
“It’s also a community thing – it’s a lovely club, and on Saturdays all the mums and dads come along to support. It’s just such a good vibe.”
Photo: The atmosphere at Bellingen games is as good as anywhere – trumpet and all.