The 20-year drought for the Final Bay Bomboras was broken last year after they won their first premiership, winning the Newcastle and Hunter B-grade final.

Now the “Bommies” want to continue their competitive streak by expanding to accommodate new players.

“Over the last few years we have seen the highest skill levels and numbers in players to date.

With having no local first grade side (Tooheys Cup) in a few years, we have found all our local juniors have had to either play another code or travel into Newcastle,” Fingal Bay Bomboras President Stuart McDonald said.

“Fielding an U19s team would benefit any players wanting to play footy in the area until they (the younger players) have the means to travel into town if wanting to play at a higher level, or are just happy to play at the level they are.”

Stuart McDonald said the plan was about looking towards the future and the ongoing benefits to players and the wider community.

“The benefits for the younger players outweigh the possible benefits the club would receive, but the club would be much better off getting the younger supporters, parents and possible sponsors that would come along with a second team,” he said.

“As for spectators, they will come down to Fingal Bay Oval to see what the future holds for our popular club, and it will also bring the community together a bit better.”

The Final Bay Bomboras have a strong local history.

The team “got off the ground” in 1998 with “a few local guys wanting to break away and play footy with their mates,” Mr McDonald said.

“We have now formed into the most family-orientated club I have seen in my playing career; within that time we have been a competitive team in any grade we have played in by making finals most years.”

They have solid support from local businesses and their major sponsors for 2017 are the Fingal Bay Sports Club, Nelson Bay Real Estate and Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota.

All interested players wanting to play A-grade and U19s can contact Stuart McDonald on 0401 557 281, Bo Earl A-grade Coach on 0478 812 883 or go to the club’s Facebook page.

The U19s are urged to get involved as soon as possible so the club can get the required numbers to register the team.

By Jo FINN