Mini Roos, from under fives to under 11s, took to Duke of Kent ovals, ensuring a full complement of soccer grades now back playing.

"It was fabulous. The day I really look forward to every year is the first time under fives play," Dobbin said.

"It's just great to see them. They all enjoy it and I don't think anyone's told them before, 'Just go and kick and ball and let it go all over the place."

Football Wagga officials estimated the crowd to be around a third of what it usually is for the first day and the president applauded the efforts of families in heeding COVID-19 directions and helping the sport kick off a season for its most important participants.

"That was great for us, it relieved a lot of tension," Dobbin said.

"And that's where our football code starts getting people interested in it so it's good to see. And in this current year it puts a positive spin compared to everything else that's going on.

"Sitting down there watching young kids play and they've got absolutely no cares in the world - we all want to be there!"

The Mini Roos' return made for a massive weekend for the sport in the city with Wagga City Wanderers junior and senior teams back in action as well as the Football Wagga juniors and seniors.

"Other soccer associations around here, like Albury, have had to cancel their season fully, and other codes have had some issues," Dobbin said.

"I don't want to say we're brilliant administrators. I do want to say the cards fell our way - they just fell our way - and the clubs and ourselves, the Board, have picked it up and said what are we going to do with it. And this is the end result, from a lot of organising.

"I feel for other codes and competitions that didn't happen and the uncertainty is out there.

"The theme for us and what we really do appreciate is that if we didn't have a season some of the smaller clubs and seasons would have found it difficult to come back next year. At the moment, all clubs are up and firing. They might have reduced numbers but they're working."