Some 2000 devoted followers will worship at Launceston's cathedral of junior soccer this weekend.
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Four months late due to the coronavirus, the Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association season will finally get underway at Churchill Park.
Between them, George Town, Launceston City, Launceston United, Northern Rangers, North Launceston Eagles, Riverside Olympic and Southern Raiders have 1700 registered players.
With coaches, officials and parents thrown in, the association is expecting a busy time between 5.15 and 9.30pm on Friday and 9am to 4pm on Saturday.
"It's a bit down on last year but we're still getting enquiries and we've extended through to October so it should be a pretty decent season," said competitions manager Dale Rigby.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
The NTJSA said it was grateful to the Northern Tasmanian Softball Association for delaying the start of its season to accommodate soccer's later finish and City of Launceston for coordinating use of the ever-evolving multi-sport venue.
A new car parking area has been established at the end of Forster Street with the old hockey fields set to become two new full-size soccer fields to take the venue's total number of pitches to 17.
"It's great to be up and running finally and to be able to offer members a season of 15 games which is not too bad," Rigby added.
It's great to be up and running finally
- Dale Rigby
"We just have to be aware of all the guidelines which are being sent out to the clubs.
"We have added extra time between games to keep people flowing through."
COVID-19 restrictions mean no admission to Churchill Park will be charged with long-serving gateman Con Kerr given a well-earned year off.
The popular annual Launceston Tournament is still scheduled to go ahead, on October 9-11, featuring about 60 teams although probably without the regular mainland involvement.
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
