The Under 11 Mulga Cup, regarded as one of the best Under 11 carnivals in the state, was back again in Charleville this year.
The Charleville Showgrounds and footy fields are now among some of the best in the west, thanks to work by the local council and decent rain.
Each year this carnival has gained in popularity, with the number of teams now capped to ensure everyone gets plenty of game time in return for the extensive travel to Charleville.
Most teams book their accommodation 12 months in advance in anticipation of returning for the experience and lifestyle of the Queensland Outback.
The benefits of carnivals like these are endless, including the boost to local businesses and providing extra footy to local teams who have very limited access to the game throughout the year.
Most of the money raised from the weekend goes straight back into the local teams, who participate in Zone Carnivals throughout the season.
The atmosphere over the weekend is very relaxed and friendly.
One thing that was very noticeable at this year's tournament is the vast improvement from the first game to the last matches of the Cup.
As well as their general skills improving, the players, teams and coaches see the way the opposition play and want to try different styles of play without any pressure. As a result, they learn more over a weekend like this than a couple of months of training.
Another standout for this year's carnival was the number of young referees controlling the games who had played the Mulga Cup in the past, as well as helping with the setting up and running of the day.
It is so good to see young players already giving back to the game.
The support for all teams playing is amazing, with the highlight being the final game of the weekend when all players formed a tunnel stretching to the other side of the field for both teams as they ran out on to the field.
At the end of the carnival all players and parents assembled, and the Ken Short Memorial Award was presented to Nevaeh Horswood, a young girl from Chinchilla.
Nevaeh is tough, talented and an all round good person. There was the biggest cheer for the weekend as she walked up to receive her recognition - a very popular choice from all the teams participating.
And now the organising commences for next year's Mulga Cup.
