The six-week program hit its midpoint last week and the 41-strong collective of kids have sharpened their football skills through a range of activities and drills.

Bathurst 75 club secretary and program manager Karen Johns said participants have taken a lot away from the three sessions thus far.

“There’s kids who haven’t engaged in the sport while others are already members of the club who are looking to keep playing over summer,” she said.

“It’s an ideal opportunity for the four-year-olds to engage with the sport before the next season starts so when they come along it’s not as daunting, or overwhelming for the parents who will know what to expect.

“The kids are all coming along really well and you can see each week how much they’re improving in confidence.”

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The sessions are created by Football NSW and run over 45 minutes, splitting kids into age groups to run junior (4-6 years) and senior (7-9 years) programs.

Those in each program are then split up into smaller groups to help further target the skills that are right for them.

Miniroos hasn’t just been about the youngsters.

Bathurst 75s under 16s and 17s are helping to instruct during the program and improving their teaching skills along the way.

“It’s been running really well and for the juniors that have been facilitating the program you can see how they’re developing as well,” Johns said.

“That’s fantastic for them and it’s great thing for them to pop on their resume as well.”

Bathurst is currently the only regional association conducting the program under the Football NSW banner.

“We’d like to see more engagement with regional areas in the off-season,” Johns said.

“Facilities can be a challenge during summer because soccer is obviously seen as a winter sport. Learmonth Park has great facilities for us and council has been really positive with allowing us access there.”

The last of the Miniroos Bathurst sessions will be held on December 6.