SOCCER: On Sunday morning Whitsunday Football Club hosted its first junior clinic of the year. President Steve Tween said it was part of an effort by the club to get younger players in the Whitsunday region involved in soccer.

"We want a more junior focus. These things are for kids who want to get a bit better," he said.

Whitsunday FC players Tom Machin and Ben McLoughlin ran the clinic with 27 kids taking part.

Machin holds a degree in coaching as well as qualifications with the Football Association and said giving young kids the right guidance was important.

"The main thing is we got all the kids there and saw what a proper structuring coaching session was about," he said.

"All the kids were on task and were all engaged and wanted to take part - that's the main thing. It motivates me. I'm more than willing to help out and do what I can."

Machin is passionate about getting kids involved in the sport he loves and has worked with local councils and schools.

In junior sport, coaching is often left up to parents and Machin said it was important to plug the skills gap.

He moved to Australia four years ago from England and has worked on Daydream Island as a senior activities supervisor.

Machin said the day was just the beginning for junior soccer in the region.

"They (Whitsunday FC) really want to build on it, this is just the starting point," he said.

"Some parents were watching and keeping a close eye on the clinic to see how it was run.

"To get 27 kids for the first one, that's a really good turnout and shows there's a big callout for it."

"It went well, with two different age groups. It was a succesful day."

There are hopes that the clinics can become a regular feature for the club.