𝐄𝐏 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 | 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 ~ Hosted by Narrabri Polocrosse Club

Where Friendships Begin and Future Stars Are Made

Some of the best ideas in polocrosse are born from seeing a need within the sport. The Narrabri Junior Challenge is one of those ideas.
What began as a way to give more juniors the opportunity to play has grown into one of Australia's most recognised junior polocrosse events, attracting young players from across the country—and even overseas.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻

The idea for the Narrabri Junior Challenge was developed by Graeme Elford and David Mortimer to promote the Narrabri Polocrosse Carnival at a time when attendance numbers were beginning to decline.
After presenting the concept to the Narrabri Polocrosse Club, members agreed it was an exciting opportunity that could not only strengthen the carnival but also provide something unique for junior players.
The biggest inspiration came from recognising a gap in junior competition. Many young players belonged to clubs that simply didn't have enough juniors to field complete teams. As a result, they often found themselves playing in higher grades or filling pool teams most weekends.
The Junior Challenge changed that.
It gave juniors the chance to form teams with friends from different clubs, play against others their own age and ability, and enjoy a weekend built entirely around junior polocrosse.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲

The inaugural Narrabri Junior Challenge was held in 2015, with 11 teams taking part.
Sponsored at the time by Landmark Narrabri, the event immediately attracted players from New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, proving there was strong demand for this style of competition.
Today, the event proudly enters its 11th year, with the generous support of Whitehaven Coal, whose ongoing sponsorship has helped the event continue to grow.

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁

Since its beginnings, the Junior Challenge has continued to attract impressive numbers.
Participation has ranged from 11 teams in its first year to a record 20 teams, with most years seeing between 15 and 20 teams competing.
What was once a regional junior event has become a true national gathering.
Players have travelled from every Australian state and territory, while international competitors from the United States and the United Kingdom have also experienced the Narrabri Junior Challenge.

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

While the quality of the polocrosse is outstanding, the event has always been about much more than winning.
The Junior Challenge gives young players—particularly those from smaller clubs—the opportunity to play alongside others in their own age group, build confidence and enjoy the game in a supportive environment.
It has also encouraged participation by offering multiple grades, making the event safe, enjoyable and welcoming for players of all experience levels.
Many families make the trip together, with parents often competing in the regular carnival while their children play in the Junior Challenge, creating a fantastic family weekend centred around polocrosse.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

Beyond the playing fields, the event has become an important contributor to the Narrabri community.
Each year, visiting families support local accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, fuel stations and other businesses, providing valuable tourism benefits for the town.
The Narrabri Polocrosse Club also purchases supplies locally, ensuring the event continues to support businesses within the district.

𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

Over the years, many players who first competed at the Narrabri Junior Challenge have gone on to represent their states at major competitions, including Nationals, Barastoc and representing Australia.
For many juniors, the event provides valuable experience, confidence and friendships that continue throughout their polocrosse careers.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

Like many great ideas, the Narrabri Junior Challenge wasn't immediately accepted.
The concept of mixed teams, points systems and players forming teams across club boundaries was considered quite different at the time.
However, with persistence and belief in the vision, approval was eventually gained.
Looking back today, those involved are proud they persevered, with the Junior Challenge now regarded as one of the highlights of the Australian polocrosse calendar.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆

Perhaps the greatest reward is seeing the enthusiasm of young players.
Each year, juniors eagerly nominate to play—even if they don't yet have a team—simply hoping to be placed wherever they can.
Watching players improve, form lifelong friendships and connect with children from every corner of Australia is what makes the event so special.
The Narrabri Junior Challenge has become more than a carnival.
It has become a place where friendships begin, confidence grows and the next generation of Australian polocrosse players find their passion for the sport.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱

The hope for the future is simple—to see the numbers continue to grow and to ensure young people remain involved in polocrosse for years to come.
If the past decade has shown anything, it's that when juniors are given opportunities to play, belong and make lifelong friendships, the future of the sport is in very good hands.

Narrabri Junior Challenge is been held at the Narrabri Racecourse on the 11th & 12th July 2026, make sure you head over to see all the excitement.

Pictured the winners from the very first Junior Challenge, Team Adama