Budding backyard footballers from Appila through to Hawker are encouraged to play in the next round of Backyard Football League matches in August.

More than 200 Backyard Footballers have taken to the field since the inception of the competition in 2007, allowing people who have missed out on football over the years to come and play competitive footy, but in a fun environment.

The first two Backyard Football carnivals were held at Jamestown and last year at Booborowie.

Organisers are campaigning for locals and people in the regions surrounding Appila to put their names on one of the lists.

New players are being called on to fill four men's sides and two women's sides.

"Backyard football targets those people who may have never played Saturday football, or played as a junior and not continued with the sport," Neil says.

"It's a competition that is about fun and community."

Rules of Backyard Football are that players must be between 17 to 39 years of age (some exceptions based on fitness might be allowed), must never have played in an A grade premiership or a B grade premiership, and cannot have played regular country footy in the last three years.

The Appila Carnival will kick off with an under 13 match, followed by the women's competition.

Admission is a gold coin donation, and Appila Tennis Club will provide catering on the day.

The matches will be compered, adding to the entertainment factor.

At lunchtime the Appila Gift will be run.

This 110 yard foot race was one of the prime early athletic events in South Australia and ran for over 90 years in that time.

So far three games of Backyard Footy have attracted an aggregate crowd of 3000 people, such is the support from players, family and friends.

Mr. George said, "Given a fine day, organisers hope Appila Backyard Footy Day will attract a crowd from the northern rural region of 1000 people."

"It is the first time a game of footy has been played at Appila in 35 years, and hopefully the following year the Backyard Football Carnival can be played at Murraytown as part of the Flinders Ranges Challenge.

– Margaret Koch