From the Mount Druitt Standard, there is a group of locals youths playing Oztag, unofficially and Council requires them to make application to them with ensuring they have public liability insurance cover nor Council fees, as well as the concerned safety issues.
The problem is these are children off the streets supported by rugby league players, living in our area that want to help these kids focus on something else, like sports.
I think rather then ban from playing this sport fields, Council should approach them and help meet the future requirements to play at Popondetta Park. I also recommend they register with Oztag NSW and they can lead up the right path to play locally under the Penrith District.
Click herre for original article from Mount Druitt Standard
Click here for OZtag NSW - check Penrith District details
As we talk about the area , if you haven't been to the area, you need to know the area you are talking about, as you talk about it. What do I mean by that! Simply, that I have been to an area of Mount Druitt I haven't been for 26 years!
Yesterday, I visited the Mount Druitt Rangers Popondetta Park main soccer field. I had a small personal challenge trying to find the entrance to the Park and car park. I parked the car at Franklin Crescent, Blackett and could see the Park, but no car park entrance, then I turned around on Popondetta Road, right to Jersey Road and right into Siemens Crescent and I found a foot path but no car park. I knew there a car park for the Emerton Leisure Centre turned around again back into Jersey Road, left into Popondetta Road and found the driveway after the Emerton Leisure Centre car park. What a way to get there!
Finally after finding no outside Mount Druitt Rangers Sign , parked the car and had seen there was football activity on the playing field, I walked around the small stadium and stand on a stand on the western side where I watched the completion of the girls under 17 side beat Southern Suburbs 4 -1. I spoke to a couple with their family, as thy explained it is difficult for recruiting young ladies for this sport and how Mount Druitt Town Rangers is ranked. People talk to me and I was excited.
I then sat at the Eastern end undercover seats and watched the Women's Reserves and First Grade side play their games and play their games as with great skills and local talent. Unfortunately they lost 2-0 and 3-1 respectively, I thoroughly enjoyed the day get tips on 'calls' from the Linesman who become Referees. As one of the officials said to me, ' We are just here to help the players'!
I saw players, get hurt, yellow cards from both sides and finally when the Town Rangers scored that lone goal in the First grade side - it was then 1-2 and I actually cheered for them. Coaches from both sides were cautioned for not making comments to a referee and I believe they can be removed from the field if it continues. I think a coach should coach 'players' not 'Officials'!
I do suggest all community members, to attend a game or more of these important local sports people!
Click here For Blacktown City Council's Offer Of $5M Rebuild Of Popondetta Park
As we live within Blacktown City Council local government area, around the corner (in time) will be the Local Government elections to be held in Blacktown. This only happens every 4 years, which is less costly then having the general elections every three years.
The Blacktown City Council's Annual Budget for 2016-2017 has produced a huge bonus to our Mount Druitt area by providing a $5 Million dollar upgrade to Popondetta Park, Emerton.
This is total Credit to Mayor, Stephen Bali, Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Donaldson and their team of Councillors. Although, I haven't sighted the Annual Report or was able to attend the community meeting this week due to personal reasons this year, it appears that Blacktown City Council must be going from strength to strength each year, to have a surplus of fund like that to cater for Soccer/Football within our area.
This is a major infrastructure improvement that has is needed and come out at the right time. The Mount Druitt Town Rangers, established in 1970, which is one of the feeder clubs for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
This major change in a major area of Western Sydney was well planned and will end up to be a positive outcome for the community which needs this type of pride and recognition. Furthermore there is the prospect of job opportunities for locals, improved lifestyles, more comfort to players and spectators, as well as a possible chance for an upgrade of Emerton Village Shopping Centre.
On behalf of the Mount Druitt community, I applaud all stake holders that has provided these much needed funds to upgrade Popondetta Park, Emerton, which will have flow on effects with the Mount Druitt Town Rangers facilities!
Click Information From Football NSW
Click here for Mount Druitt Town Rangers Club website and
Click here for Mount Druitt Town Rangers Club Face Book Page
