IT was all smiles on Friday night as the Port Sharks Blue Under 14s girls League Tag team were victorious 12-10 over the Camden Haven Eagles at Stuarts Park.
Although the win played a big part, their jubilance was because it was the first time in two weeks the teams have played due to field closures.
“It was so much fun to get wet, get dirty, and just have a run around,” said the team’s 14-year-old winger, Summer.
“The conditions made holding the ball a bit tough, but we don’t mind scrappy. Scrappy’s fun.”
It was proof that kids (and the grounds) can handle a little rain.
Many in the broader community have expressed their frustration as field closures continue to disrupt sporting fixtures.
Patchy weather and heavy downpours have ensured that major sporting fields including Tuffins Lane and Dixie Park remain closed.
After what should have been the 6th round of the competition for various age groups at Port United Football Club, mother of three Danielle Jarvis decided “enough is enough”.
“So far this year, all three of our children have missed five out of six scheduled games due to cancellations in Port,” Danielle told News Of The Area.
“Week after week, families are turning up with hope and commitment, only to be let down again and again.
“As parents, we invest our time, money, and energy into these programs, and our children deserve better.”
Families within the community agree, citing concerns about what the constant disruptions will mean for their children, long-term.
“Sport is meant to build resilience, but the lack of consistency is doing the opposite,” Danielle said.
“Kids are missing out on more than just sport; they’re missing out on connection, confidence, and crucial life experiences.”
Each missed week brings a sense of disappointment for children.
“They miss out on the camaraderie with their teammates, the joy of competition, and that much-needed physical outlet.”
The current economy has many families struggling to keep their children in sport due to the necessary fees and equipment requirements.
Some families are asking clubs for their money back or believe Council should reimburse them.
“A reimbursement or subsidy would acknowledge the challenges families are facing and show that the Council values community sport and the wellbeing of our kids.”
This latest bout of frustration comes just a month after Port Macquarie-Hastings Council discussed a proposal to investigate drainage options at Tuffins Lane sports fields.
Drainage has been a hot topic of conversation for many years with some locals referring to the fields as a “swamp”.
One person posted online that, “back in my day, we used to play even if it had been raining for 40 years and the grounds were flooding.”
Councillors are split over whether to commit $500,000 for an environmental assessment and development application to investigate drainage options.
As previously reported in News Of The Area, Mayor Adam Roberts defended the proposal, stating that Council only recently assumed ownership of Tuffins Lane and as a result is ineligible for state government support.
However, he expressed his commitment to working with fellow Councillors to secure the much-needed funds.
President of Port Macquarie Touch Association Wayne Gleeson, has spoken previously of his fears that the poor drainage system and lack of Council funding will see Port Macquarie lose another major sporting event.
His comments followed the loss of the three-year contract for the Junior State Cup Northern Conference, last year.
Dubbo took Port Macquarie’s place and will benefit from the tourism dollars that come with such a large event.
To have your say on the drainage issues and sporting fields in general, visit the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s “Have Your Say” platform.
By Rikki WALLER
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