We arrived at Nagel Park bright and early on Saturday morning. The first thing I noticed was how many people filled the intimate area. There were a dozen different playing fields that were all covered in children playing rugby in various brightly colored uniforms. Aside from the showing of youth athletes, there were over a hundred spectators made up of supportive parents, relatives, and siblings. It seemed like such a fun family event that brought everyone together for a day of iconic Australian sport. It reminded me of my time playing soccer as a kid. Every Saturday we would go to the park and it would be filled with families and teams. These are some of my favorite childhood memories. My Dad coached my older brother’s soccer team and we would all go and cheer them on before heading to my game and then out for ice cream. There was a food stand at Nagel park that attracted the athletes and spectators for a hot dog and refreshment after the game. Then, we headed just down the street to courts filled with youth netball players. This had the same family oriented feeling as the rugby did. All of the coaches and parents were there to cheer on the athletes and there was plenty of encouragement and support for all the participants. These types of youth events promote such amazing peer interaction and help to build confident, well rounded children. It also brings families and communities together in the popular joy of sport.
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