NORTH Coast Force junior representative teams have spent the long weekend competing in the annual Hunter Challenge Cup at Tuggerah.

The Hunter Challenge Cup saw the Force go up against representative teams from Hunter Metro, Hunter Country, and Central Coast, with the performances of all teams added together to determine the overall positions at carnival’s end.

For the first ever time, the Force fielded teams in each age group with the debut of the Youth Girls 15 team at the carnival.

This highlights the rapid growth of girls footy across the North Coast as it follows hot on the heels of the addition of the Youth Girls 13 team at last year’s carnival.

In 2022, the Force program finished runners-up, further cementing the region’s reputation for producing strong teams.

The North Coast Force is part of the AFL North Coast’s representative program for both male and female athletes, offering teams at Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Youth Girls 13, Youth Girls 15, and Youth Girls 17 age groups.

Despite the significant distances between towns on the North Coast, the selected teams have been coming together on a fortnightly basis since mid-April to build cohesion and refine game plans.

Adding to the significance of the event is the involvement of staff from the Sydney Swans Academy, who will be on hand to view matches and identify players of note.

Following the Hunter Challenge Cup, the North Coast Force teams will compete in the Northern NSW Championship in Coffs Harbour from 8-10 July.

By Aiden BURGESS