ONCE again Gerry Emery Reserve will be the hub of activity on September 28 and 29, as the Gerringong Breakers host their annual South Coast Sevens tournament.
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This year, which will mark the second time the event has been held, there has already been 24 nominations for the tournament, across the four categories - open men and women, over 30 women and over 35 men - from Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast.
Breakers president Javid Sadrnia expects this year's event to build on the inaugural tournament.
"Last year's tournament was a great success, with great feedback from all our stakeholders," Sadrnia said.
"It was a great competition among the teams in a social environment, with many teams enjoying the gala day atmosphere created by the event.
"The open men's final even finished in a two on two format, with both goalkeepers and an outfield player on each team, going end to end in golden goal.
"Our vision is to host the most exciting seven-a-side competition in the region, with 80-100 teams competing to be crowned South Coast Sevens champions."
From the Breakers point of view, the event is one of the keys dates on their calendar.
"This initiative allows us to fundraise for junior programs and engage with our wider football community," Sadrnia said.
"Consolidating our fundraising into one exciting weekend of football, allows the club to keep the cost of playing sport down and raise money for club projects, such as more floodlights and improved drainage."
On the field, 2019 has been one of the biggest for date for the red, white and blue, following their move from the Shoalhaven District Football Association to Football South Coast.
"It's been a massive year for the Breakers," he said.
"I believe it has been a very successful season, with club growing on and off the pitch.
"Though we couldn't retain all of last year's squads, our overall numbers have grown nearly 10 per cent on last year.
"Our juniors have held their own against quality competition, which has really helped their development.
"The under 13 boys and under 14 girls are bolstered by players from younger age groups.
"Both teams are well and truly in finals contention.
"Our all age women's team had 17 debutantes who had never played the game, while our first grade men are currently sitting third.
"The competition across the board has been faster and more skilful with talented players throughout Illawarra community football."
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Sadnria believes the club is in a better position now than it was 12 months ago.
"We have had to improve on and off the field in making this move successful - the club's vision has always been to provide an inclusive and fun environment to play football for any age or level," he said.
"We recently launched a mini-Breakers football program for 2-5 year olds, with 40 kids attending.
"Having football on the weekend has further enhanced our family atmosphere throughout the club.
"Teams being able to support each other on Saturday and Sunday, home and away, has been a key factor in linking our pathways and strengthening community ties.
"Our juniors get to see the pathway to play football at Gerringong our higher levels."
The South Coast Sevens weekend will also involve a children's clinic, run by Maddi Costanzo, coinciding with the start of school holidays - with The Lions Club Gerringong assisting in match day operations and MCCI (Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra) in hosting players that want to participate.
Nominations for the event close on September 14.
For more information, visit; southcoastsevens.com.au