We are excited to share some important developments that are shaping the upcoming season.
A Brief Recap
In April 2022, we encountered an unexpected yet extremely necessary challenge – the request from the NSW Government to relocate us from our cherished home at the Southern Cross Football Centre in Lismore. The reason behind this was the need for emergency housing on the site after our community was devastated by the floods, therefore it was the obvious decision to step aside.
We extend our appreciation to the Ballina Council for providing us with a temporary training ground at Lennox Head and to both Clarence Property and Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation for generously offering us office space, enabling us to continue our operations.
Introducing Our New Home
Amidst these changes, the NRFA's Board and staff have been working to find a more permanent solution that aligns with our mission and values, while also offering outstanding facilities comparable to what we enjoyed in Lismore. We are thrilled to announce that we've found a new home – the Cavanbah Centre, Byron Bay!
We recognise that this transition might mean slightly longer travel times for families, coaches, and staff. However, we want to emphasise that this decision was made with a focus on our core goal: offering unparalleled opportunities to young football enthusiasts in the Northern Rivers region.
Programs Across the Northern Rivers
Our commitment to nurturing football talent remains unwavering, and we are thrilled to continue our programs at various locations across the Northern Rivers region:
Lismore: We are hosting our inaugural community Spring 5-aside competition at the SCU campus (Maurie Ryan Oval) in 2023.
Lennox Head: Our popular Holiday Clinics will continue in 2024.
Cavanbah Centre: The beating heart of our operations, the Cavanbah Centre will be home to our High-Performance Program, Development Squads, and Little Rivers program.
A Bright Outlook
Together, we are embarking on a new chapter filled with growth, learning, and exciting achievements on and off the pitch.
As we look ahead to the 2024 season, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.