Western NSW game development officer Dave Elvy is launching a series of girls’ league tag gala days for under 12s, under 14s and under 16s, on Sundays, with the view of helping provide young girls with a pathway into senior grades and beyond.

Elvy said the goal was to share the five gala days around Group 10 clubs that have senior teams, with the first proposed gala day set down for Cowra on April 2.

“It’s only a matter of time before it’s flying,” Elvy predicted.

“It’s something we’re trying to get off the ground this year, and it’ll probably be 12 months or so to establish it but the numbers are there.”

He said running the competition in a gala format on Sundays meant there would be little to no clashes with other major girls’ sports.

“We’re not looking to take girls away from netball or soccer, they’re enjoying those sports and have commitments there,” he said.

“We’re working around those sports.”

School-aged girls carnivals in Grenfell and across Country Cup competitions in the Western Division region pointed towards strong participation levels.

“The popularity is there,” Elvy said.

“Five or six years ago when it kicked off in seniors there was probably only five clubs involved. Everyone has a team now and there’s plenty of numbers.

“It’s massive.”

Last year Orange sides CYMS and Bloomfield ran girls’ league tag competitions, but Elvy indicated the Group 10 Junior Rugby League ran tournaments would include sides from Lithgow, Bathurst, Mudgee and Blayney, last year’s senior premiers, as well.

While giving players a chance to progress through a junior pathway, the new competitions will also provide senior players with a shot at coaching.

“It’s getting bigger and better and this will only help that,” Elvy said.

Anyone interested in being involved is encouraged to contact their respective club contacts:

BATHURST PANTHERS – CRAIG GLAWSON – Phone 0401383023

BATHURST ST PATS – LEANNE ASHCROFT – Phone 0404462614

MUDGEE DRAGONS – CATHY WINSPER – Phone 0409457456

ORANGE BLOOMFIELD – JASON GREENHALGH – Phone 0419144887

ORANGE CYMS – ANDREW LIVINGSTON – Phone 0428308763

LITHGOW STORM – SUZIE MORRIS – Phone 0402261204

BLAYNEY BEARS – HELEN MISKELL – Phone 0410650474

OBERON TIGERS – SPIROS KAVALIERO – Phone 0418889420