The Reefs show off their new uniform, which club officials say will help players feel more ownership for the Cooktown football team, but also build identify on and off the pitch. Photo: Supplied.
An emerging Cooktown sporting club is using one of the fastest growing sports in the world to ensure the viability of its future for members both on and off the playing surface.
Reefs Football Club recently celebrated its 12-month anniversary with the arrival of head-turning new player strips as officials work hard to build the profile of soccer in the community with both traditional outdoor clashes and indoor futsal showdowns.
Club spokesperson Jen Jenyns said officials and players were thrilled with the new uniform, which was made possible with sponsorship assistance from Cooktown Caravan Park.
“It was worth the wait to get the design and quality right,” she said.
“The uniform makes us more legit – not only does it help players feel more ownership of their team, but it will support our team building and identity when we travel for competitions, or have teams visiting us in Cooktown.”
As the Reefs gain momentum, Ms Jenyns said the current aims were to send players to more competitions for the remainder of 2024, as well as host visiting teams for a carnival next year.
“We are looking forward to expanding to outdoor games as the new [Endeavour Christian College] school oval and more specialised coaching staff become available,” she explained.
“Futsal is perfect for North Queensland, as play isn’t impeded by rain or heat; our club runs all year-round.
“Unlike other sports, it’s low skill level requirement makes it enjoyable from a very young age … and it’s very cost effective for families, as players only need a ball at home to practice with and shin guards when they play at our sessions.”
With the Far North Queensland titles on the radar for players in November, Ms Jenyns said the club was hoping to transform into a breeding ground for high-level representatives in both the indoor and outdoor forms of the sport.
“This year’s Pacific championships are in Maroochydore, and we hope to be able to travel with sponsored funding to the next year’s competition,” she said.
“We also want to provide pathways for individual players for selection to Football Australia, so the Socceroos, Matildas, Pararoos and Paramatildas.”
Newly-appointed head coach John Jenyns said his priority in the role would be to ensure there was an element of fun included as players developed their on-field skills and confidence.
“My main aim is to support the other coaches to create a fun, safe and challenging experience for all of our mini football stars,” he told Cape York Weekly.
“We want to ensure that all the children enjoy their time by including fun skill activities and games in a structured environment where they can continually be developing their skills and teamwork.
