THE annual Challenge Cup returns to Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads from 20-22 March, attracting some of the region’s top footballing sides.
Hosted by the Nambucca Strikers Football Club, the three-day event brings together teams from across the Mid North Coast and beyond.
This is the 45th time the tournament has been held.
“Clubs travel from nearby regions and as far away as Sydney to compete in men’s, women’s, and men’s over-35s divisions,” a spokesperson for the Strikers committee told NOTA.
“The event is known for its competitive but community-focused atmosphere, with teams playing multiple matches across the weekend in pursuit of the Challenge Cup trophies and prize money.”
Organisers will be praying for the weekend to go ahead without incident, with multiple cancellations of the Cup in recent years due to extreme weather, a pandemic, and the loss of the local Leagues Club to fire in 2025.
“We’ve barely had many Cups over the past five or so years with Covid, floods and cyclones plus the Leagues Club disaster,” the spokesperson said.
The Strikers committee says both the local community and visiting sides hold a “deep connection” to the Cup.
“All that participate get that feeling and experience the atmosphere that only a special tournament can provide,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s a tournament that stretches back to the beginnings of the club… it’s hotly contested but always played in great spirit.
“It also brings many people to our local community for the weekend.”
One local footballer taking part is Stuarts Point farm manager Wezz Styles, who returns to the tournament for the fifth time, on this occasion representing the West Kempsey-based Macleay Valley Rangers.
Mr Styles, a tough-tackling midfielder in the Rangers’ reserve grade side, said he was looking forward to witnessing the Cup’s “competitive atmosphere and friendly faces”.
“Given the round-robin format, it’s about pure grit and determination to push your body to its limits, leaving nothing in the tank by the end of the weekend.
“You end up giving your 110 percent.”
Mid North Coast clubs taking part include the Nambucca Strikers, Macleay Valley Rangers, Coffs Tigers, Coffs United, South West Rocks FC, Woolgoolga FC, Port United, Urunga Raiders, Northern Storm, Bellingen FC and Corindi FC.
By Douglas CONNO
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