𝐄𝐏 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 | 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞

Hosted by the Quirindi Polocrosse Club

Under 21 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

The Under 21 Challenge, hosted by the Quirindi Polocrosse Club, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting additions to the polocrosse calendar—designed to bridge a crucial gap in the sport and keep young players engaged at a key stage in their journey.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧

The concept for the Under 21 Challenge was inspired by other successful age-group competitions. Recognising a gap within the intermediate age bracket, the club saw an opportunity to create a platform specifically for players under 21—an age where many can drift away from the sport due to limited opportunities and exposure.

By targeting this group, the aim was simple: keep young players involved, progressing, and connected to the game.

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

While the Challenge is focused on under-21 players, its impact extends far beyond the field. The event encourages whole families to attend and participate, rather than sitting on the sidelines, creating a stronger and more inclusive club atmosphere.

Even in its early stages—operating as a one-day competition in 2025—the results have been promising. The event has already contributed to:

Increased sponsorship interest
Greater community engagement
More businesses coming on board to support the club into the future

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Under 21 Challenge is already attracting strong numbers, with around 50–60 players competing in the exclusive competition. Even more exciting is the reach of the event, with interstate players travelling to be part of it—highlighting its growing reputation.

𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Events like this don’t just benefit the sport—they give back to the entire town. With visitors travelling in for the carnival, the local community sees increased activity across:

Accommodation
Fuel stations
Grocery stores
Equine supply businesses

It also provides a fantastic opportunity for locals to come along, watch quality polocrosse, and be part of the atmosphere.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

One of the standout benefits of the Challenge is the way it brings people together. Players from different clubs, zones, and even states are given the chance to compete alongside each other, forming:

New friendships
Valuable connections
Future playing opportunities

For many, it’s also a stepping stone—offering exposure to those aiming to represent at state level and beyond.

𝐀 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭

Getting the Under 21 Challenge off the ground has been a seamless process so far. With strong support behind the concept, approval from the state board was secured, allowing the competition to move forward without major obstacles.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

What stands out most is how well the event has been embraced. It has successfully engaged intermediate players across a range of levels while also enhancing the overall club carnival experience.

It’s not just a competition—it’s a unique opportunity for this age group and a drawcard for families and supporters alike.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝

The future of the Under 21 Challenge looks bright. The vision is to see it continue to grow into a strong development pathway for young players—something that is currently rare within the state.

With continued support, the goal is to:

Build even more excitement around the Quirindi carnival
Attract larger crowds and greater community involvement
Encourage new memberships into the sport

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 & 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐭

Due to the ongoing dry conditions, the event has been relocated and will now be played at the Coolah Recreation Grounds on 25th & 26th April.

Make sure you head over and catch all the action—it’s set to be a great weekend of polocrosse, showcasing the future of the sport.

There will also be an auction running across the weekend, helping the club raise funds to all-weather proof their fields. With some great items up for grabs, make sure you’re either there bidding or have a mate lined up to bid on your behalf—let’s help the Quirindi club reach their goal.