After months of Covid-lockdown on the sporting fields, Lithgow Workmen's Football Club are finally lacing their boots up for this weekend's Western Premier League (WPL) and Bathurst District Football (BDF) kick off.
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It's the club's first year competing in the WPL since 2012 and they are one of seven teams.
Coach and star-player Martin Hunter said the WPL was exciting and the start of a competitive representative format of competition.
"The season will be a two round home and away split, playing against teams from Bathurst, Orange, Parkes and Dubbo," he said.
Hunter said Workmen's have three teams in the BDF competition including it's first grade side coached by Laurin Shirt, second grade coached by Jock Hunter and third grade coached by John Hore.
"We will be kicking off this weekend (July 5) with three home games played at Marjorie Jackson at 11am, 1pm and 3pm."
Hunter said the COVID-19 pandemic had made the club participate in two pre-seasons.
"Hopefully we can pick it back up from last year on the field," he said.
The squads have started training, with Covid standards and regulations in place, according to Hunter.
"Training is to recommence on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"In the downtime we have been doing our best to let everyone get out and be active for the past few weeks by giving out different exercises for individual or small group exercises," he said.
COVID-19 has also shortened the months of play to prevent clashing with any summer sports.
"Covid has made differences in the world and it's been sad for everyone affected. But the hard work done by the committees in Bathurst and WPL allow us to play 12 to 14 games for each team," Hunter said.
He said he looked forward to the competition season restarting and while the pandemic had affected the sport, he said Workmen's had always been a strong club.
"We have always been a strong social club and I believe that has been what carried us through the pandemic period this year.
"We will always follow our other teams whenever they play."
Going by their club motto "follow we will".
Hunter said the Lithgow football committee had also planned to have another three men's competitive teams play west of Lithgow. The junior football season will also recommence.
"Lithgow District Football Association have worked hard to get to this point.
"We as a club look forward to seeing all the juniors get active and enjoy the sport," he said.
Hunter also wanted to thank the club's sponsors for their commitment and support.
"We will continue to be a strong club with their help. We would also like to thank LDFA and the Lithgow Council in welcoming us to and facilitating the Marjorie Jackson sports field complex, their hard work lets us play and enjoy our sport."
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Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
