The wait, however, is over – registrations for the 2018 season will be open on February 1, with Northern NSW Football’s CEO David Eland stating its a “perfect environment to embrace football”.

“Our national teams are smashing it on the international stage and our local A-League and W-League teams are currently very competitive which stirs a real sense of pride and passion for the game,” he said.

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The Socceroos have recently qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the Matildas are in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup – both qualifications are expected to bump grassroots numbers in the Hunter region.

Alongside the expected boost in playing numbers, Northern NSW Football has also announced their continued major partnership with Newcastle Permanent until 2020.

The building society’s involvement will cover all aspects of community football, from volunteer support, to coaches, clubs and referees with award recognition programs.

They will also supply over 9,000 free footballs to ‘entry level’ players across the region.

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Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett highlighted the success and longevity of the partnership.

“This year marks the tenth year of this successful partnership, evolving the partnership from supporting targeted regional high performance football programs in the New England and Far North Coast region to today encompassing the major Community Football partnership across all of Northern NSW,” Millett said.

“Encouraging children and families to lead active, healthy lives is an integral component of our community sponsorship program. Football is a sport inclusive of gender, age, and ability—making it accessible to almost everyone.”

Register with your local club for the upcoming grassroots season at northernnswfootball.com.au.