IF you have been inspired to up your game and join a local footy club in the nick of time for the winter sporting season, Cootamundra Tricolours coach and captain of reserve grade Josh McCarthy would love to take you on.
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McCarthy believes the advantage of playing football for the Tricolours is that rugby union matches take place on a Saturday allowing a good period for socialising and recovery before the working week begins.
McCarthy is appealing for new recruits, as there are 25 players registered with the local club; too many for one team and not quite enough for two.
He’s welcoming players regardless of experience or skill level.
If you’ve never played before then, “perfect; you've got no bad habits,” McCarthy said.
Ultimately the focus is on enjoying the game.
“It’s more about fun than anything else, we’ve got a great bunch of guys and no one takes it too seriously.”
McCarthy has attempted to retire from the game multiple times, and his imminent return highlights the satisfaction he gets from playing rugby union with his mates.
“There’s an awesome vibe at training, it’s the best it's been in years,” McCarthy said, adding that strangely, more players have been turning up to training than games.
Tricolours president Bob Scott is impressed with the new head coach Shane Botham, who has been predominately running skills-based training drills, keeping the team captivated on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Scott said the club would also be delighted to see a few past players return into the fold.
Given the option of playing league or union it’s a no-brainer for McCarthy.
“The rugby league guys play a game of footy on Sunday, have a few drinks afterwards, then they’ve gotta back up and go to work Monday morning.”
Game this weekend
Tonight is an exception to the usual ‘Saturday’ rule as the Tricolours will play the Wagga Waratahs under lights at the Country Club Oval.
Reserves kick off at 6pm and first grade kicks off at 7.30pm.
There will be a special nod to Anzac Day before the first grade match. Jeff White has organised a bugle player to open proceedings with ‘The Last Post’.
Club members will be raising money for Legacy, a charity providing services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. Legacy cares for around 90,000 widows and 1,900 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.
