Are you seriously suggesting that playing footy on Sundays halved a juniors club's participation?
Enough with the shock horror. Think it's on the mark. Prior to 1970 all senior rugbyleague was played on Saturdays in Newcastle. This provided a very socially relevant /appealing sporting scenario for participants plus a full day of recovery prior to most players going to work on the Monday. The change of day to mostly Sunday senior rugby-league in inner city Newcastle over the past 4 decades has coincided with a significant drop in junior numbers and also senior district clubs like North Newcastle and Waratah Mayfield. This reflects a poor scheduling policy which has forgotten that players enjoy their Saturday night and also welcome the Sunday for recovery. Rugby union playing numbers have increased as a result in inner city Newcastle. It's logical for some but others can't see this. And you are one of the dudes with the eyes closed.