Newcastle is throwing out the welcome mat for clubs keen for a bit of end-of-season football fun.
The inaugural Newcastle City Sixers competition, to be played on October 3-4, is now open for registrations.
Billing itself as the ideal season sign-off for teams from near and far, the six-a-side gala promises a perfect blend of football, fellowship and fun.
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The tournament is being sponsored by RAMS Home Loans and hosted by the Men of Football, a charity-focused body of ex-players doing good deeds for in-need footballers and their families.
Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper, who with ex-Matildas Cheryl Salisbury and Joey Peters has taken on the role of Sixers ambassador, says that the event will attract plenty of support from the football-mad Newcastle and Hunter region.
“But, for all those clubs from further afield who’ve not yet booked in their end-of-season weekend, the Sixers is the perfect fit,” he said.
“This is the chance for teams to relax after a long season with a format that’s an absolute blast for players and spectators. “
The short-sided presentation caters for up to 128 teams split into five categories competing for a prize pool of $5000 and will be held right in the heart of Newcastle in close proximity to the city’s brilliant beaches, café strip, pubs, restaurants, nightlife and accommodation.
Categories are open men, open women, over-35 men, over-45 men, over-30 women.
Men of Football’s Keith Harris says that it will be first-come-first-served in registering prospective starters.
“We’re keen to get the draw finalised as soon as possible, so our advice is to not delay in registering,” he said.