It was the Wanderers football clinic, but without the Wanderers.
Forty Blue Mountains football players ranging from six to 13 years old took part in a three-day clinic at Pitt Park in Wentworth Falls from January 11-13.
The kids learned a variety of football skills in a fun, game play environment. They were looking forward to meeting their heroes, but coronavirus again ruined best-laid plans.
"Unfortunately due to the recent COVID cluster we have not been able to send players along, however all the kids attending will have a great time playing the most popular sport in the world," said Mark Jensen, the head of marketing and communications at Western Sydney Wanderers.
Instead, dedicated community clinics coaches showed the players new skills, which organisers hoped they would take back to their clubs for the start of the 2021 grassroots season.
Mr Jensen acknowledged the importance of young players being able to watch live football.
"Football is about passion, whether that is as a player or as a fan. Being able to watch your favourite sport in a live environment is so important in creating that connection between a fan and the game. Those moments at the stadium help forge players' passion to follow their dreams and play the sport they love and can create great opportunities for families to create traditions that last a lifetime."
