The free balls have been provided by Northern NSW Football’s (NNSWF) official partner in community football, Newcastle Permanent Building Society, for entry-level players aged 7 and younger.

They complement the overall affordability of the game for new players, which was further helped by NNSWF not increasing its component of player registration fees for the third consecutive year.

“Partners such as the Newcastle Permanent allow us to keep player registration fees stable and this is a major drawcard for parents looking for an affordable, fun and safe sport for their children,” NNSWF chief executive David Eland said.

“The Northern NSW Football component of player registration fees for community entry-level players remains the same for season 2017 and has been unchanged since 2015 at $13.10,” Mr Eland said.

Affordability, the profile of the game both nationally and internationally, and its appeal to male and female players of all ages and ability has seen football registrations rise 6.46 per cent across Northern NSW in 2017, he said.

Local member zones in Newcastle, Hunter and Lake Macquarie recorded a growth of 2.6 per cent on 2016’s figures, with NNSWF’s four regional member zones in the state’s north recording an average increase of 3.4 per cent.