Connection through Community Sport

You're 6 years old.

It's a Saturday night, there's a mild chill in the air.. not quite crisp but definitely indicative of the impending winter.

The season for short days, cold nights and.... footy with your mates.

You played last year but you've never done this before.

You're fully kitted out, boots, sock and shorts, trianing shirt... tonight, you are playing on the same stage as the big seniors..

Just before A Grade.

Under lights.

Standing at the edge of the field, staring down the tunnel formed by reserve grade GROWN UPS.

The tunnel is for YOU.

Now is your time.. you take a deep breath AND RUN

So begins your life long love for community sport.

Saturday 15th April Toowoomba Valleys Roosters RLFC hosted Gatton Hawks RLFC for their second round clash. Their trademark intensity was on display. Both clubs have strong identities and this year Valleys is expanding the focus to include their junior club. Gatton have the same proud, inclusive and contributory culture. In the spirit of community development and in recegnition of the future, the u7's were invited to the main field.

Sport talks about training, skills progression and talent pathways.

Clubs know that connection and community are the foundation that gives players the space to realise their potential both on and off the field.

Building relationships between junior and senior clubs generates benefits that far outweigh those seen on the field or in the takings at the gate.

I hope that the senior game day experience was one big step in assuring those u7's know they will always have a place in Community sport. Whatever their age, whatever their capcity.

Queensland Rugbly Leauge have developent a number of practical resources that provide clubs with valuable skills to support their members before and after game day particulary in their RISE and Support Squad programs.

#rugbyleague #rise #supportssquad #communitysport #queenslandrugbyleague