Gunnedah FC are confident of a strong showing at this weekend's Viking Challenge at Forster.
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They will take over two teams to the coast for the six-a-side tournament and encouraged by what he saw from what was an understrength outfit in their FFA Cup clash with Coffs Harbour last Saturday coach Andy Cygan is hopeful of progressing to the finals.
"Last year we had a great run there making it through to the Sunday and losing out to the team that went on to win their grade," he said.
"We're trying to push on to quarters or semi's this year."
Cygan will again be in charge of first grade and Alexzanna Budge second grade in what is shaping up to be an exciting season for the club.
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Numbers at training have been promising, Cygan reported, although he would love another five or six players especially a goalkeeper.
That said, they are "way ahead on last year as we’d only just started training this time last year".
"Training is currently Monday and Thursday from 6:15pm at the junior fields," he said.
"The fields are now fully irrigated and are starting to look good way ahead of schedule.".
"The training field will have lights up in the next month to allow better training during the winter months."
They have also applied for grants to light up the main playing field, and develop the main building and changing areas.
There have been a couple of changes at the top with Lindsay Sheedy and Helen Cygan coming on board as president and secretary, respectively, with Simon Gainsford and Matt Davis relinquishing their posts after three years over which time the junior club has become the biggest junior club in town.
They have also welcomed some new sponsors on board with two Newcastle-based companies jumping on board as minor sponsors for first grade.
"Alfabs, who kindly supported the junior gala day last year have committed to two years as have ARC Mining who are growing their numbers of mining trades in the region," he said,
"Many Fabrications are also about to sign off on a signage and kit deal for the club."
Cygan said the Courthouse Gunnedah have also kindly offered to continue their support of both the juniors and seniors as major sponsors for a further two years.
"We are very lucky to have the pub on board.
"They offer a best on field for each team every Saturday with the juniors and that allows the winner a free meal back at the pub," he said.
He added that if there are any other sponsors that would like to support the club they can get in contact through the club's Facebook page.
Any new players can contact him on 0434021362.
