Sunshine Coast youngsters given green light

The wait is officially over for Sunshine Coast junior parents who can happily tell their eager whippersnappers they can strap on their boots in just over three weeks.

Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby League chairman Cameron Herbert affirmed last month they were preparing to return international age groups from July 24, but Tuesday's timely announcement by the Queensland Government to further ease restrictions has paved the way for the mini / mods to join their older siblings.

"It's great news that our clubs have agreed to go ahead with the under 6 to under 12 competition," Herbert said.

"This means we'll have a full junior competition on the Sunshine Coast from under 6 to 16 with a majority of clubs participating."

The July 24 start date will allow 10 rounds of football for the international competition, with Herbert also hoping to include a finals series.

"Our last weekend of football is around October 17, so it gives us approximately 10 rounds for the international age groups which will hopefully allow us to host a couple of weeks of finals," Herbert said.

"The exact make-up of the season is still yet to be confirmed as it's dependent on teams in each age group which is still being finalised at the moment.

"For the modified games age groups, they can play for at least 10 rounds or more as there is no finals for them so they can go right up to October 17 if need be."

The League believes their patient and timely decision-making is what allowed junior footy every chance of a return on the coast.

"We greatly appreciate the patience all our club executives, parents, sponsors and most importantly junior players have shown during this time," Herbert said.

"No doubt they've all been super keen to play and have probably been asking mum or dad every week what's going to happen with footy and when they can play.

"The patience to wait for a relaxation of government restrictions has really has assisted us and provided us with a great result.

"The announcement was actually on the same day as our decision so it was perfect timing for us."