Organising the afternoon was the major project for students Thomas and Geoff as part of the Youth Frontiers Community Project currently being run by Taree High School.

The two have participated in the project since May of this year Geoff as a volunteer mentor with the group, and Thomas as his mentee.

With Geoff's guidance, Thomas organised the three team touch football competition as well as a barbecue provided by Taree North Rotary.

Thomas, who is in year eight, said the project had taught him about the work required to run such an event.

"It takes a lot just to get it sorted," he said.

"It's about giving them some responsibility," Geoff said.

"They organise it all, we're just a guide."

Other students in Thomas's year at Taree High who are part of the Youth Frontiers Community Project will have their own major projects to complete.

For Geoff, the project was an opportunity to remain involved with the community in his retirement.

Geoff's involvement in the project comes after his youngest child recently finished high school and went to university.

With his wife working as a teacher in Wingham, the project gave Geoff "something to do," he joked.

"It's good fun and I get something out of it too," he said.

He said the mentoring project taught the mentees lessons about responsibility and interacting with other adults.

"It's about having respect for other people," he said.

"It's good as a mentor to be able to help them along in anyway you can."