Huge numbers have attended the first SAP Gala Day at Hepburn Park last weekend.

Over 300 participants enjoyed a sunny day in Goonellabah as Thistles hosted the first SAP Gala Day for 2024.

SAP stands for Skills Acquisition Phase and is a program that improves individual skills and team based play at a young age.

Wet weather has not only hampered the program but also football across all competitions, so to have sunshine and a huge amount of players was a huge plus for organisers.

Ten fields were set up for the 300+ players from 10 Football Far North Coast Clubs.

The program is tailored to the 9, 10 and 11 years age groups and gives the talented players a chance to challenge themselves and each other across the day and multiple games.

FFNC General Manager Steve Mackney was on hand to present Awards to the best players in each age group, with plenty of smiles on both players and parents faces, with some teams only having played 1-2 matches this season due to the continuing wet weather and damp grounds.