Chase for talent only getting more fierce in the 'City of Good Sports'

As an expat Queenslander who has lived here for almost two years, I've enjoyed the vibe of Aussie Rules and rugby league being on virtually a level playing field, as that's unheard of in other places I've resided.

But the huge number of options available means sports administrators need to think outside the square to ensure they get their slice of the player talent pie.

News the Wagga Blaze won't compete in this year's Waratah League basketball competition is a wake-up call that ensuring the junior production line doesn't stall is vital. That planning for five or ten year's time, not just next year, is crucial.

It's great to hear the under-ten girls ranks are promising and schools are being targeted to boost numbers.

It may not suit the out-of-town clubs, but the proactiveness shown this week by Wagga's junior rugby league clubs has to be applauded.

The decision for the four clubs in town - Brothers, Kangaroos, Turvey Park and Magpies - to form their own competition from this year makes so much sense it probably could have been done earlier.

There's no doubt the extra convenience of getting to games will boost their numbers.

"We're very conscious of the amount of travel that young players have to do, especially your really little kids," NSWRL head of regional football Robert Lowrie told The Daily Advertiser when the governing body released its strategic plan in September.

"No one sees the sense of them playing a home and away series, travelling two hours every Saturday then playing a half hour game and travelling home again.

"We're encouraging regions to have a look at that and see if they can do that in a better way and cluster it, to just change our traditional thinking of home and away, I suppose."

The competition will be for under-sixes to under-tens, as well as league tag.

There's no doubt the long trips to play out-of-town matches, just for youngsters to play about 20 minutes of football before getting in the car again, would be a deterrent for some parents.

It's not in the best interests of the kids, either. That time in the car is time that could be spent playing footy with their mates, or freeing up more time for more beneficial activities.

While everyone has the same goal in mind - to keep kids active and get them off the couch - those willing to take risks or think outside the square will be the ones who prosper most going forward.

Sports like basketball will always compete with netball. Some of the players who've suited up for the Blaze in recent years play both, but with netball ingrained in local footy clubs it will always be a difficult task to compete.

Throw in the growing presence of the local women's Aussie Rules competition, and the talent pool will be spread even more thin.

It's up to the bosses of local sports to find ways to attract youngsters, and keep them interested.

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