Macleay football teams return to training

The Macleay Valley Rangers and Kempsey Saints kicked off their first sessions on Tuesday and Thursday whilst the Kempsey Macleay female junior rep footballers were put through their paces on Monday.

Training programs are under strict guidelines from the NSW Government via the Public Health Order with teams required to train in groups of 10, maintain social-distancing and have no contact.

Macleay Valley Rangers first grade coach, Chris Walker, said the restrictions will take some time to adjust to.

"Our first run was on Tuesday and becoming accustom to the rules and regulations took some getting used to," he said.

"We're seeing decent numbers at training and that should continue.

"Our first grade and reserves will train on both Tuesday and Thursday whilst women's and third grade only practice on Tuesday."

The female rep football program for the Kempsey Macleay Academy were one of the first to step out on the pitch in the area on June 1 after training was suspended March 17 due to COVID-19.

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Academy coach, Martin Uhrig, said the girls were disciplined with their training during the self isolation period.

"It was great to see the players skills were still with them when they returned to the field," he said.

"We had a bit of fun with home training during isolation where players would video their skills and then send them to our group chat.

"Hopefully if all goes well the girls will be on the field early July playing our closest rivals Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Taree.

"A big thanks to Kempsey Shire Council for having our field ready and in great condition."

For Rangers and Saints, a season start date for the Coastal Premier League is yet to be set with sporting bodies waiting for government framework and guidelines to be released on a return to play for senior community sport.

For those wanting to find out more about female rep football and born between 2008 & 2012 please call or send a text to Martin, 0432071093.