Adrian Vowles Cup: The ultimate junior footy pilgrimage

What is it about the Adrian Vowles Cup that makes it so loved among its participants? So much so, many clubs are already planning next year’s pilgrimage to Charleville?

The vibe from the 10th incarnation of the carnival was, as it has been throughout its history, typically laidback but a picture of efficiency as all in attendance put all of their energy into making it a fun pre-season hit-out for the kids.

Most of the youngsters have been itching for months just to play another game of footy with their teammates – the Adrian Vowles Cup representing their first available opportunity to do so for the new calendar year.

Naturally competitive, the eager juniors play hard. They know nothing less than 100 per cent. Very few would know how closely their approach aligns with how Adrian Vowles conducted himself amid a career in which he etched his name into the State of Origin history book.

Boys and girls hit the ball up off the back fence and get as good as they give when they meet the defence. The neutral crowd roars when they collide.

These days well over 500 players participate across more than 100 matches between the three divisions, and they don’t even care who they play for.

Through unforeseen circumstances, some teams come short a full team, but there’s always a ‘rival’ willing to have a run like they’ve been teammates for years.

The sporting spirit extends to officialdom. As far as the touchline goes – without sideline officials – it’s down to the honesty system.

For many coaches, it all reminds them of a simpler time when they played junior rugby league.

“It’s the same feeling. When we used to play as the juniors we had the cars around the ground and we’d play into the night sometimes, so it brings you back and gives you some great memories,” Mt Isa’s City Country Junior Rugby League president Nigel Tremain said.

A busload of players made the trip to Charleville not just to play for their own team, but also Western Ringers, St George and just about anyone else.

“It’s what we do in Mt Isa. City Country’s all the teenage kids together in Mt Isa so it goes from having the five teams to two,” he said.

“We just pick two even sides and we play, so it’s much the same as this carnival, we all just pitch in and help out, so we love this sort of carnival.

“We love the carnival because it’s relaxed, it’s about playing football, not trying to win at all costs and it’s great for the community and the kids.”

Tremain said it was something the carnival’s masterminds Vowles, Murweh mayor Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge and a dedicated local organising committee strove to drive.

The development aspect aligns with the goals of the Mt Isa crew, making the 2350-kilometre return trip worthwhile.

“Athleticism is only temporary, but character lasts forever, so I think it’s important we instil in all of our players the characteristics of being a good person and by going to carnivals you’ve got the opportunity to mould them into good adults,” Tremain said.

Central West Rugby League junior delegate and Under 14 coach Ben Palmer has seen it time and again. He’s been attending the carnival for at least six years.

“My own kids have been coming through the ranks, my daughter has been through and now my son but I just love seeing the kids having fun, meeting some people” Palmer said.

“First and foremost they learn how to relate to other kids and build that team bond. Our team is made up of kids from multiple towns so we don’t even train together. We come together for this carnival only, so some of them meet their teammates for the first time on the field.”

It works for them. Central West had players involved in two winning teams, which was poetic considering their participation in the inaugural Adrian Vowles Cup.

“Because it’s the start of the season, everyone’s keen, they’re here for the right reasons. Everyone helps each other out. The biggest thing is kids out there having fun doing what they love," Palmer said.

Caboolture camped out under the stars at Charleville Showground to get the full experience on top of the competition played in the right spirit, right through to extra time.

Caboolture went down in a riveting golden try Under 16 final against Central West.

Snakes team manager Melissa Clyne was determined to make sure it was an opportunity the club strove to take up on the regular once again.

“The atmosphere has been perfect for them and they’ve had a chance to bond. Caboolture was one of the teams that came out here originally so it has been great to come back and do it all again,” Clyne said.

“You couldn’t ask for a better carnival. The weather was perfect, everything is organised, the grounds and facilities are all perfect. The fields out here are better some of the fields back at home. They’re lush and green. You can’t ask for anything better.

“Our current Under 15s are already putting in their applications for next year I think.”