The 2017 Challenge Cup was reluctantly cancelled after incessant rain turned the Coronation Park fields into a swimming pool.

After the forced hiatus, teams from up and down the east coast are champing at the bit to have a kick for the cup.

There’ll be three tournaments a-go, with 10 teams in the Men’s Over 35s getting the ball rolling on Friday evening, culminating in a final showdown on Saturday night.

The 16 Open Men’s teams and the 12 Women’s six-a-siders will be playing a round robin tournament with 20 minute games on Saturday.

Sunday will operate as a knockout finals competition for the top half of the ladder, with the home side regularly making the top eight.

“There are some seriously good teams that come every year,” Nambucca Strikers Football Club president Paul Cue said.

“For anyone that wants to see some decent quality Premier-League football played, this is pretty much the only time of the year to do it.”

Both sets of fields at Coronation Park will be used in the tournament, ensuring locals get a great chance to see some first-class football.

Teams come from as far afield as Glen Innes, the Goldie and Sydney for the competition.

Defending champions, the West Pymble Football Club, regularly makes the pilgrimage up for the sparring.

“It’s a great competition for the Valley and it’ll be hotly fought this year as the 40^th anniversary of the Cup,” Paul said.

“Most of the accommodation in town gets booked out and players use it as a chance for pre-season bonding and hit-out.”

Entry for spectators is free and there’ll be a range of food and drink options, including a licensed venue.

There’ll also be drink and massage stations set up for players.

Port Macquarie band One Night Stand has been booked to entertain crowds at the Nambucca Leagues and Sports Club on Saturday night – “A four-piece cover band blowing minds and making love to ear drums along the Mid North Coast.”