On Sunday, 70 young people aged 5-12 years old, descended on the home of Hills Hornets Touch to try out touch football for the first time.

Guided by 14 volunteer Coaches and mentors , the enthusiastic group were taken through a series of drills and game scenarios.

The coaches were really impressed with both the skills shown and how well all the first timers listened and performed what was asked of them. This was good news for the Hornets given selections for teams in the under 8, under 10 and under 12 divisions for Junior State Cup are just around the corner.

There were plenty of smiles, some new skills learnt and new friends made.  But don’t take my word for it, what did our newest touch footballers think:

“It was fun. I learnt lots of passing skills.”
“It was a lot of fun and I learnt some good skills to be able to play the game!”
“I learnt lots of new skills and had fun doing the races”
“It was Awesome!! “
“I loved it even though I didn’t know anyone. I can’t wait for the games to start.”
“Cant wait to start playing Mum!”
“I had a great time”
“I had a really great time, I think I’m going to love playing touch!”
“I want to do it again.”

And what did the the parents think?

“I really appreciate the time given by the volunteers. Our daughter got a lot out of the day, had a great day with her friends and learnt some new skills. Thanks so much.”
“Very well organised and coaches were friendly and engaging.”
“Well supervised and coaches supported new and emotional kids well.”
“Interactive and well planned.”
“Very well run. Looked well organised and started and finished on time!”
“I thought it was fantastic, especially for my daughter who has never played before. It taught her some new skills and gave her a good idea of how the game works.”
“I really appreciate everyone taking the time to run the day. What an amazing effort! Thank you.”
“Well organised and everyone friendly and helpful. For a first timer and getting to know the rules etc more of these development days would be a good idea.”

Hornets President and current Australian Representative, Brad Mitchell, was one of the 14 coaches and mentors helping out on the day.

“Our motto here at the Hills Hornets is Fun, Fitness and Friendship.  These days encapsulate it perfectly” said Mitchell.

“As a club we are so fortunate to have so many great coaches and mentors willing to volunteer their time to give back to our sport and our local community”.

“In addition to our qualified coaches we had 2 of our returning World Cup Champions in Ray Wehbe and Keeley Bowen, as well as Pheobe Hunt, from our undefeated Girls Youth Team.  I love how our younger members have bought into the Hornets culture of community contribution”.

And even as club president, you were running a drill today?

“Yeah, I love it.  It is always so rewarding introducing new people to our sport. Those little moments of self-confidence you witness when a young person executes a skill for the first time are fantastic”.

The Hills Hornets Spring Competition starts on the 17th of September. The Hornets Development Coaching team are looking forward to watching these rookies take their first steps into a sport we know they will love.