DENISE CAHILL

shows 28,484 participants are from non-metropolitan areas including Alice Springs and remote regions like East and West Arnhem, Barkly and Katherine.

NT census figures show cricket has 24,138 participants and 8954 registered players and NT Participation statistics note that 33 per cent of local cricketers are indigenous.

Soccer players aged 4-11 are also part of the nationwide initiative ALDI MiniRoos that uses short, game-based sessions to introduce the sport of football to newcomers in an inclusive way.

About 220,000 children nationally take part in ALDI MiniRoos that is delivered by more than 1600 local football clubs.

Good luck to all the parents and kids getting back on the pitch this weekend.