While the launch is mainly pitched at the junior level, it would be great to see all clubs (junior and senior) well represented as any opportunity to raise the profile of AFL in the Shoalhaven and interact with each other can only benefit AFL in the area and hopefully attract a few new members to the game. 

The local media have been invited to cover the launch, which will hopefully be attended by some of the local politicians, a few club sponsors and members of the AFLSC Board.

The day will also feature a free sausage sizzle, some giveaways and there will be a number of players from the Queanbeyan Tigers, who play in the strong NEAFL competition in attendance to conduct a range of drills with the children and talk to the players, their parents and any coaches who wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

The board also hopes to present last year’s premiership pennants to the respective age groups, so it would be nice to get a good roll up from a senior perspective to give the Tigers u16s a nice loud applause.

This is also the first official gathering since the club’s new awning was built so that in itself is something to be proud of and well worth a look. 

It should all be over by 1pm, if not earlier, so please come and support the day and show everyone AFL is alive and kicking on the South Coast. 

Family and friends are most welcome.  

Training numbers continue to improve with just on 50 players having ventured out onto the track at some stage this year. 

While some are still undecided and there are several that have not been out yet, early indications are that the club should not have too many troubles getting two sides on the paddock in 2014, which is a far cry from where we were at this time last year.

But there is still plenty of room for new faces, so if you are looking for a game of football and want to get involved with a successful, friendly, family orientated club, please come on out. 

The Tigers train every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm at Artie Smith Oval, Cambewarra Road, Bomaderry unless otherwise notified.

Players are reminded to bring boots and runners to all sessions, plus a towel and a change of clothing. 

At last Monday’s league meeting, the board made it quite clear that all clubs need to pull out all stops in an effort to try to get an under 18’s competition up and running in 2014. 

With this in mind, and the likelihood of games being played on a Friday night, if you know someone who is eligible and might like to have a game, please get in touch with your respective clubs and register for 2014. 

Being on a Friday night opens the door for players from other codes (soccer, league, union, hockey to name a few) to have a run and hopefully enjoy a game of AFL and still be available for their preferred code on the weekend. 

It could also mean that the association might need to field a combined side from the Shoalhaven area, similar to 2012.

Also as a change in routine, this year the club is trying to organise an under 18s game as a curtain raiser to the final of the Tom Smith Memorial Knockout at HMAS Albatross on March 22. 

Players just need to rock up and the club will work out the details on the day. To register you interest please contact Sticks on 0403 291 231.

With things being fairly quiet at this time of the year, this is a good a time to acknowledge all the club’s sponsors and thank them for their continued support. 

Thanks to Amazing Dental, McDonalds Family Restaurant, Dunn & Williams Electrical and Air Conditioning, the Bridge Tavern, Scruple’s Hair and Beauty, Baker’s Delight – Nowra Mall, Osborne Street Physiotherapy, Jennings McDonald, Tuscany Wood Fired Restaurant, Aqua Services – Pool and Spa, Kel Campbell Caltex, Mamma’s Italian Kitchen, Integrity Real Estate, Subway – Nowra Fair, Bomaderry Bowling Club, Signs and Co-Signs, the Bendigo Bank, and Manildra. 

Make sure you always take them into consideration if you are in the market for any of their services and do not forget to pass on our appreciation.

For more information on club activities please contact Tony McCann on 0422 365 408 or Sticks on 0403 291 231 or visit the club’s website www.bomaderrytigersafl.com

Until next time, go the Tigers.