Girls and boys from both third and fourth grades at Booral, Stroud, Stroud Road, Stratford, Gloucester, St Joseph's, Barrington and Krambach had the rare opportunity to compete with each other on-field through a series of draws, under the guidance of Northern NSW Football's development officer Larry Budgen.

"Days like this are about interest and play," Budgen said, pointing to the players before him as the future.

Students from grades six and seven acted as game leaders, giving them a taste of refereeing and coaching for the future. 

"The idea is to give kids a taste of what soccer is," organiser John Hughes said, adding that local school teams have had significant success at a state level in the PSSA soccer competition.

"Days like this are aimed at encouraging participation in soccer, so that they can go back to school and play."

One hundred and eighty kids played soccer in the local comp through the club last year, making up 20 teams. 

"We see a gradual rise in numbers every year."

He should know. Hughes was one of the founding members of the Gloucester Soccer Club when it was first formed 40 years ago with one Under 10 side in the Manning competition.

Referring to the level of competitiveness on the field before them, Budgen said that "we don't score, but don't worry - they do."

Despite a last minute rush to ensure they had enough donated water bottles for the kids, the club's new canteen was well serviced during the lunch break.