THE Albury-Wodonga Steamers are kicking goals in the off-season.
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In only its second year, 248 players are taking part in the club’s Touch 7s competition at North Street Oval on Wednesday nights.
The number has soared from 160 last year.
“It went well last year and it’s just gone to another level again,” Steamers’ junior president Mick Redfern said.
“The focus is on fun and participation.
“It’s been the fastest growing element in our club over the past couple of years with a lot of young female participants in particular playing.
“The game lends itself to expanding and we now have a number of families and different ages playing together.”
Twenty seven-a-side teams have entered the mixed competition which is running over six weeks.
Redfern said a variety of age groups had entered.
“The feedback we get is that people like the atmosphere and participation aspect,” he said.
“We have a first grade Steamers side and they could be drawn to play an under-12s side.
“It’s not a graded competition.
“When those guys are drawn to play the kids it’s played in the right spirit. No one plays for sheep stations.
“There are some really competitive matches as well so we think it’s a good mix.”
Teams play three 14-minute matches each night with the competition reaching its halfway point on Wednesday.
The game is similar to touch football with the biggest difference being players can kick the ball.
The ball is turned over after seven touches.
Entries are still being taken with inquiries able to be made on 0428 235 588.
“We can still find players a side if they want to come down,” Redfern said.