It all kicks off on Monday with the start of the Walter Taylor Shield, which will see athletes and families from as far away as Sydney call Armidale home for the week.

When the cricketers leave the pitch more than 250 young rugby players will flock to town for the New England Mutual national rugby camp.

Armidale Dumaresq Councillor Colin Gadd said these types of events were important to the Armidale community.

“Sport brings millions of dollars into our economy over a 12-month period and we have great sporting facilities and the whole community benefits from it,” he said. 

While Armidale plays host to a number of events throughout the year, Cr Gadd said it was important sports facilities and infrastructure continued to be improved and developed.

“We want to keep encouraging major sporting events in Armidale  and that is why the Armidale Sports Council has a priority list,” he said.

“We are looking at practice nets at Harris Park and improving the facilities at the Rologas.”

Plenty of visitors will be in Armidale for other events.

The pony club jamboree, New England Girl’s School high performance youth program, Armidale campdraft, the Northern Inland twenty20 cricket carnival  and the Northern NSW  football development camp are all on this month.

Editorial