SCHOOL AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

Up to 230rising Australian Football stars will converge on Mackay when they compete in the Queensland School Sport 12 years and under Australian Football Championships next week.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Harrup Park Country Club in Mackay would host the five-day championships from Sunday 10 June to Thursday 14 June.

“The teams will be divided into a country pool and a city pool, with a cross-over game between the pools being played each day,” Mr Welford said.

"I'd like to congratulate each competitor on his or her achievement, and wish them every success at the championships.

"This event provides a great opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the state.

“There will also be seven student umpires refereeing the games and one of them will be selected to umpire at the Nationals.”

Nine sporting regions will be represented—Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, Wide Bay, Capricornia, Darling Down, Peninsula, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

There will also be a President’s invitational team, “The Crusaders”, made up of students from remote areas of the Cape and the Gulf.

Mr Welford thanked the dedicated teachers and school staff who had worked hard to make the championships a success.

Twenty-three competitors will be selected for the Queensland team which will compete at the National Exchange to be held in Sydney in July.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 32371000