Love of the beautiful game, football – “soccer” as it is colloquially known by most Australians – goes all-year round, with a recent local festival showing how deep this passion runs.

The Dubbo Sixes football tournament returned to Apex Oval in early October with a “spectacular” four days of six-a-side action drawing players and supporters from across the region and the state, Dubbo Macquarie United Football Club Vice-President, Jamie Lobb revealed.

“For the first time, the event launched with a junior competition on Thursday and Friday, October 2–3, featuring boys’ and girls’ divisions in Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16 age groups,” Jamie said.

“The senior competition followed on Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5, showcasing fast-paced matches across Women’s Open, Men’s Open, Women’s Over 30s, and Men’s Over 35s divisions,” he added.

This year’s tournament involved more than 70 teams and 670 registered players with 4000-plus spectators passing through the gates over the four days.

“The inaugural junior competition was hailed as a resounding success, giving young players aged from 10–16 years, the chance to shine on Dubbos pinnacle venue in Apex Oval,” Jamie enthused.

“Plans for next year’s event will be announced soon, aiming to build on this year’s momentum and welcome even more teams to one of the region’s most popular football events,” he concluded.