Once you become a certain age, for many athletes, it's the case a sporting hobby or career either goes on the back burner or completely down the drain.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a bid to get players over the age of 35 back on the soccer pitch, the Mudgee Masters Tournament made its first appearance on June 8.
Inspired by Cowra's 35s tournament, the event encourages former players to put the dusty boots back on and remember what it feels like to be a part of a team.
"We play in one in Cowra and it's good fun, it's great to be a part of a team again and have a laugh with the boys," Organiser of the Mudgee tournament, Edward George said.
"We thought we could do something in Mudgee. You know, we've got these perfect facilities and we might as well use them."
The tournament hosted six teams from Mudgee, Gulgong, Orange and Cowra, respectively, that each played a total of five games throughout the duration of the two day event before the semi final clashes.
George only began planning the event two months ago, and admits next year will be different in order to bring more teams out to the event.
"We started a bit late, around April, so it's been pretty quick in terms of time period," he said.
A lot of work goes into it, trying to get the word out there and trying to get people to come and commit, there's a lot of man hours behind the scenes.
- Mudgee Masters Tournament organiser, Edward George
"Next year we'll start earlier and really get some momentum going to get it even bigger."
When asked what the importance of the event is, George told the Mudgee Guardian that it has a lot two do with being a part of something once again.
"I think it's important in a couple of ways," he started.
"For a lot of us, we never get to play on this field, we don't play football anymore so it's great to be able to get to play on these pitches.
"It's also important for people of our age to feel a part of something.
We all played in teams when we were younger, and a lot of us now are working and have families, but to be a part of a team, there's a special bond. It gives you something to bond with and a new set of friends.
"It's good for people's mental health."
The tournament was held at Glen Willow Stadium on June 8-9.
"I would just like to thank our sponsors Club Mudgee and Moolarben Coal, without them it's really hard, and the Council for letting us use the facilities, but especially Peter Mitchell and the other volunteers for helping out," George said.