IN a bid to reconnect current and past members to Portland and Heywood Football Netball Clubs, former Lions coach Kevin Hughes is reviving the Portland Heywood Challenge Cup – on the golf course.

The Challenge Cup was an initiative put in motion in 1980 when Heywood and Portland were part of the Western Border Football League.

The Cup was a way to connect the clubs and build friendly rivalry with the winners keeping the trophy for one year and determining which of their games it would be up for grabs in the next year.

During their 30 years of fighting for the cup, Heywood took it home just twice, under the guidance of Hughes who coached the team in the ‘90s.

When Heywood left the Western Border competition and moved to the South West District Football Netball League in 2012, the Cup became obsolete… until now.

Hughes is leading the charge in rebuilding the rivalry and inviting any past or present member, players or affiliates to join in on a new Portland Heywood Cup Challenge on the golf course.

On April 30 people affiliated with either Portland or Heywood are encouraged to attend the Heywood Golf Club where a day of golf will be played between the two clubs.

While the rivalry is real, Hughes says a huge part of the initiative is getting people to reconnect with their football-netball clubs.

“The whole point of it is to engage people to get back around their clubs and enjoy a day where we can all have a crack at something competitive outside of footy,” he said.

“Anyone is welcome to come and play, part time golfers or even if you’ve never played golf feel free to come and have a hit.

“In saying that we’re definitely still not aiming to lose!”

This year is the first time they have run the event but will look to make it an annual competition.

“There are people who don’t necessarily come and watch the footy anymore or don’t get to see as many people that were once involved,” Hughes said.

“This golf day gives people a chance to do that in a different setting where you can catch up with some mates, have a laugh and play some golf.”

While golfers and non-golfers alike are encouraged to play, there will be some talented competitors up for grabs for either side with the likes of current Portland Golf Club champion and Portland open netball coach Ellen Zeunert and regular golfer Mick Jennings two players who have competed in black and gold as well as green and gold.

“It will be all a bit of fun, but we are competitive people and I’ve already put in about 50 phone calls to players,” the former Heywood senior football coach said.

The event will take place on April 30 at midday with the format still to be decided. For more information head to the Portland Football Netball Club Facebook page.