sport
How to Get Involved in Townsville Sports: What You Need to Know to Start
Global matches have lifted local interest, so here is the practical information for residents ready to join a club.
How we reported this

Registrations for winter sports programs in Townsville opened this week at multiple venues across the city.
The timing aligns with the current World Cup schedule, which has drawn new participants into soccer and rugby clubs that normally see slower mid-year sign-ups.
Where to register in Townsville
Prospective players can visit the Murray Sports Complex on Bowen Road for soccer trials run by the Townsville Soccer Federation or head to the fields at Railway Estate managed by the Townsville Touch Association for non-contact options.
Last season the federation recorded 4,200 registered players across its junior and senior divisions, with fees set at $145 for adults and $95 for under-18s covering insurance and weekly training.
Next steps and what to bring
Those interested should bring identification and a completed medical form to either site before 20 July, when the next intake closes.
Clubs supply basic equipment for first-timers, though participants are advised to wear supportive footwear suited to the surfaces at each location.