Despite regional communities continuing to fall on hard times, there is no questioning the amount of support that flows through the area.
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Mudgee's under 12s representative soccer squad will make the five hour drive to Canberra early July to put their skills to the test in the 2019 Kanga Cup.
With a 13 player squad made up from students enrolled at each school in Mudgee, plus two coaches, fundraising has been a major factor in ensuring the squad get their chance to play in the largest junior soccer tournament in the southern hemisphere.
Coaches Dave Riley and Ed George says without the support and time dedicated to fundraising from families and the community, the trip wouldn't be a possibility.
"None of this happens without the support of others, you've got to have families and parents assisting whether it's selling raffle tickets or helping out at a barbecue," Riley and George said.
The amount of support we've received has been quite touching, it's made me quite proud to come from Mudgee.
- Mudgee under 12s representative squad coaches, Dave Riley and Ed George
"If they're [parents and families] not at the ground, they're helping out fundraising. They're not watching their own kids just to get the team to Canberra.
"The amount of local support from CWA, Family First and Half Barrell Honey we have received is quite heartwarming.
"The parents help is just unbelievable, it just goes to show community spirit is still strong in country towns even in hard times.
"It's nice to get the kids involved too because they feel like they've been helping. Once they're involved, it gives them a boost. It's a good lesson for them, if you want to get something, you've got to work for it."
The tournament has been running since the early 90s which, then, was host to a total of 480 players, while last year's Cup was witness to 5,500 footballers from not only Australia wide, but from international destinations.
"It's had teams from Italy, Germany, Denmark, England, and this year, we will have teams from Korea and the Philippines in our group," George said.
While they're not particularly in it to win it, George and Riley say the troupe will give it their all and will have the chance to see how they compare to other talent.
"It's a big thing. We've seen it before just in passing and we've always said it would be great to take the team down there for experience but just thought 'let's get it and go and get involved'," both coaches said.
"The kids will run their hearts out, you wouldn't hope to meet a nicer bunch of kids, they're committed.
It'll be a great experience for the boys and girls, and hopefully it'll be something they remember forever.
"It'll be a chance to see how they compare to other kids, and see what else is out there. In the same token, it'll be interesting for us as well because we've been coaching the team for four years."
Representing Mudgee at the prestigious competition next month will be Harry Riley, Hugo George, Ronan Croft, Chloe Mcgilvary, Rachael Channon, Flynn Mclean, Archie Clulow, Toby Roberts, James Nicolson, Tyler Cheney, Charlie Geddes, William Buckley, Oli Evans.
"It'll be a lifelong experience for them, I hope it gives them some memories that they can talk about amongst themselves and also to others, and something to be proud of," George and Riley said.
"We are still open to support from local businesses anyone wishes to get behind this worthwhile venture."
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
