Football Federation SA traveled to Broken Hill last week and visited over 150 students from the area including children from a school in Tibooburra.

The group from Tibooburra, located over 330kms away and adjacent to the Queensland border, had to travel over four hours on a predominantly unsealed road to get to Broken Hill and participate in the Gala Day which was held Wednesday, May 29.

Other schools which were involved in the Gala Day included Sacred Heart, Railway Town Public, Burk Ward Public, Alma Public and Broken Hill Public.

FFSA Regional Development Officer Cristiano and Game Development Officer Scott Hockenhull conducted a series of round-robin matches for the participants as well as a juggling competition and a penalty shootout.

The FFSA Game Development staff also held a session for 30 junior girls who are a part of the Broken Hill association. 

“The Broken Hill Gala Day was great. The children were very enthusiastic for the whole day and showed us some impressive skills. We can’t wait to come back for an even bigger gala day next year,” said FFSA Regional Development Officer Cristiano. 

Broken Hill Soccer Association delegate Lisa Baker, who helped coordinate the event along with Tony Ashton from Active After Schools Program, was delighted with the Gala Day.

“The Gala Day was an outstanding success which was illustrated by the participation rates from the local primary schools and the inclusion of a team from Tibooburra,” she said.

“The day was extremely well organised, inclusive of all children regardless of playing ability. The structure of the Small Sided Games and the emphasis on participation and fun rather than competition has great synergies with the philosophy of the local soccer association.”

Baker said the response from every one involved in the Gala Day had been overwhelming.

“The feedback from players, parents, and teachers was all positive,” she said.

“Comments were made by numerous people how professional and well organised the day was and how FFSA have been so supportive of the game in Broken Hill. Cristiano is a wonderful ambassador for the game. He has a fantastic, engaging nature which children respond to immediately.”

Baker acknowledged the session for Junior Girls held on Tuesday afternoon was also a positive step in the development of young female footballers.

“The session with the junior girls on Tuesday was extremely beneficial. We had in excess of 30 girls aged between 8-14 years participate,” she said.

“The ‘girls only’ initiative was derived from feedback from the most recent school holiday clinic at which we had great participation from both girls and boys, but where the girls tend to be less engaging at times where boys can tend to dominate.”

“This session was a wonderful opportunity for the young female players to develop and foster skills in a single gender environment.”