Oztag Australia will spend the next two weeks scouting the NSW North Coast for the best Oztag talent on offer as part of a five stop school holiday road show.
Starting in Ballina on Tuesday, the Oztag Australia team will run clinics in regional centres along the NSW North Coast, visiting Coffs Harbour, Port Macqurie, Port Stephens and Newcastle over the next fortnight.
“We know how strong Oztag is and how much talent there is in our regional centres so we thought the school holidays were a great opportunity to run clinics up and down the coast,” Oztag Australia’s Luke Manahan said.
“The clinics begin with basic drills and finish with a full Oztag match with a whole lot of fun thrown in around it.”
Manahan said yesterday’s clinic in Ballina attracted a number of youngsters who had never played Oztag before.
“The beauty of Oztag is that it really is a sport for kids of all shapes and sizes and we’ve already seen a number of kids show up with no previous experience and pick up the game quickly.
“The local associations are also involved in the clinic so hopefully we see those kids join up and play in a team next season.”
While Manahan stressed that participation was the focus of the clinics, he also said the coaches had one eye of the best young talent along the coast.
“If our players want to take Oztag more seriously, there are a number of pathways they can follow to play at a representative level.
“From their local competition, players can be picked to play at State Cup and Nationals, as well as in City v Country sides or in the newly launched High Performance Academy.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some of the kids from one of these clinics playing Oztag for Australia a few years down the track.”
All participants also receive an Oztag shirt and visor.
If you’re interested in attending an Oztag School Holiday clinic on the NSW North Coast, head to the Oztag Australia website for more information or email luke@oztag.com.au.