Brothers Penrith are hosting a Try Time ‘Gala Day’ on Sunday 14 April, where junior and senior players from nine Sydney clubs will be represented.
The popularity of the Try Time competition, which began in 2013 for players with an intellectual disability, has seen a growth in gala days to bring Rugby League families together.
Brothers Penrith will stage the Sunday 14 April event at the club’s Parker Street Ovals.
“We’ve got about 41 players in our club alone this year,” Penrith Brothers’ Barry Costa said.
“We all train together, whether you are five years old, or 50.
“Then when we have a Gala Day where we split them into two age groups – seniors are 13 years and above and juniors are 12 years and under.
“We’ve decided this year to have Gala Days every third week in the month.
“It’s a round robin format to give the players as many games as possible.”
Try Time is non-contact football - a modified version of Rugby League – but all matches are played with traditional 13-a-side rules.
The clubs playing on 14 April are the Greystanes Devils, Mounties, Wentworthville United, Leichhardt Wanderers, Hills Bulls, Minchinbury Jets, St Patricks Blacktown, Quakers Hill Destroyers, and Brothers Penrith.
“These guys wouldn’t have a chance at playing most football codes, but they have a place in Rugby League,” Costa said.
“They all have mainstream Rugby League passing and attacking skills but need just that little bit of guidance in being able to repeat the sets and plays.”
Costa said Try Time players were dedicated Rugby League fans and the delight on their faces in getting together on Gala Days was immense.
“The reaction from the parents is noteworthy too,” Costa said.
“They get a bit of down time on the sideline, and you can see their pride in seeing their kids be involved with an actual football club.
“Every club has a presentation day where they get their jersey, footy shorts and socks and they feel a real part of something.
“That’s our goal to try and make it as close as possible to the Rugby League we all know and love.”
If someone would like to get involved with Try Time, come to the 14 April Gala Day, or email Barry Costa on two6heavy@bigpond.com
