The highly anticipated Delta Cleaners Night Soccer is set to kick off on Tuesday, 3 September, at International Park. This Six-a-Side competition is open to both Men's and Women's teams, with all players required to be over the age of fifteen. Nomination forms are available at Delta Cleaners, InterSport, and Sportfirst, and must be returned by Friday, 23 August.
Celebrating its 46th season, Night Soccer began in Home Hill in 1979 with the goal of helping the Burdekin Football Club, then known as Ayr Parkside, maintain fitness during the off-season. Initially, the competition featured eight Men's teams. The following year, the event moved to Ayr and has been held at International Park since 1981.
A highlight of the Night Soccer competition is the "Sin Bin," where misbehaving players are publicly named and shamed. These players are benched for three minutes, forcing their team to play with only five members during that time.
Last year, the Night Soccer competition saw a record participation of forty-eight teams, with thirty-two Men's teams and sixteen Women's teams. The season will commence with two trial weeks, followed by group games, and will conclude with the Grand Final on Friday, 13 December.
Contributed with thanks to Cyclops.
The infamous Sin Bin continues to serve as one of the many highlights of Night Soccer at International Park.