Female footballers to star at Proctor Park Challenge

And with the Bathurst Cup bringing a record-breaking amount of teams, 11 up from 2018, the Proctor Park Challenge is set to do the same, with 61 teams registered for the pre-season tournament, one more team than in 2018.

The competition is set to kick-off nice and early at 8am on Saturday morning, with five games at Proctor Park and one more at Police Paddock. 

The competition, which is hosted by Western NSW Football and Football NSW on behalf of the Bathurst District Football, will feature four age groups, under 12s, under 14s, under 15s and under 17s. 

Bathurst District Football have entered two junior girls teams, in the under 14s and under 15s category, while the Western NSW Mariners will have teams competing in all four age groups. 

The under 14s section of the tournament features a packed draw, with 23 teams entered, featuring the likes of famous names APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Blacktown City and Marconi Stallions (two teams), as well as Central West side Dubbo District Football and Canberra teams Woden Weston (two teams) and Canberra United. 

There's also a good chance for Bankstown City Lions to achieve a fourth consecutive under 17s win, with the club once again nominating for the age group.

The Lions won a tense final in last year's under 17s decider, prevailing 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out against Gladesville Ravens. 

The Proctor Park Challenge sees games played at a reduced capacity, with 18 minutes halves and two five-minute periods of extra-time in the knock-stage of the competition.