In their 51st year, the Stingrays' junior numbers have continued to grow since their days as Stella Maris Catholic School and they now have the second largest number of registered players in the local competition.

"We fielded 26 teams last year and it's incredible how the club has grown over the past few years," coach Peter Ellis said.

"It's now time we stepped up into grade and, with those sort of numbers behind us, there is no reason to think once we are up there that we will not continue to grow.

"Last year was the first time the club has fielded under-16s in the club's history and we are hoping we can build on that."

But history is against the club somewhat, with players normally getting into the mid-teens before the talent scouts from other clubs start circling.

"That has been the problem all along - our kids tend to get to a certain age and drift off to other clubs for one reason or another, but last year's under-16s have a strong winning culture, having made the grand final every year from under-10s to under-15s and last year only lost the final to Dapto by four points and they went on to win the competition," Ellis said.

A successful coach in his own right with Shellharbour Sharks first grade side in the past, Ellis believes this will be the Stingrays' best chance of fielding a grade side in its history.

"We could be the stage-setters for strong Stingrays senior sides for years to come."

Ellis plans to start training in January, but will hold a get-together and barbecue in early December.

Any player interested in finding out more about the Stingrays under-18s can phone Ellis on 4296 6578.