Raiders and ARL Development lead the way in Grassroots DevelopmentThe Canberra Raiders and ARL Development are leading the way in the ACT region for rugby league grassroots development within schools in the area.
Recent figures released by the Australian Rugby League Development Head Office convey the Raiders passionate and continued support of the extended Canberra region.
The Canberra Rugby League Development Officers had contact with a total of 13 359 school students in 2011, with the young boys and girls being taught the basics of the wonderful game of rugby league and the values of a healthy lifestyle.
The Raiders will look to improve on this figure in 2012 to continue their support of the ACT schooling system’s sport and recreation programs.
The total figure included 4947 students who were involved in coaching clinics, 6192 students who were involved in gala days, 2070 students who were involved in community programs and 150 students involved in regular competitions.
National Schools Manager for Australian Rugby League Development, Debbie Brewin, said that the Raiders have done a marvellous job at a grassroots level and that the numbers outlined could have actually been much greater when you take into account the work the club and ARL Development does in Canberra’s surrounding regions.
“Promotion and development of grassroots rugby league in the Canberra region is vital considering the strong history the game has there. It’s vital to Canberra and it’s vital to the game,” Brewin said.
“Those impressive student contact figures demonstrate just how much the Raiders support the extended Canberra region, but even more impressive is the fact that the figures could have been a lot greater if we included the Riverina area numbers.”
“The Canberra Raiders Development Officers and their trainees, in a combined effort with the ARL Development Officers, do a lot of work in the Riverina and other such areas around Canberra.”
Extraordinarily, the outstanding figures are set to rise with new development officers set to be added to the ACT region.
“Canberra is a key area because it’s the Nation’s Capital, there’s an NRL club there and there’s competition from the GWS so it’s important for us to have a strong presence down there and also in the surrounding country areas. We’re looking at providing Canberra and the surrounding regions with more development officers so those impressive figures will continue to rise.”
The Raiders have traditionally looked after their area with great generosity and passion. Brewin believes their development and support systems act as a vehicle that continually enhances the great community spirit in Canberra and will aid in increasing the club’s membership base.
“It’s great that the Raiders have so many home grown juniors that are playing with them. There’s not too many clubs that can actually boast that. It’s not about just being able to look after the next batch of elite players though but looking after the bigger picture as well. The boys and girls that don’t want to play rugby league might end up being referees, volunteers or members of the Canberra Raiders.”
Source: Raiders.com.au
Topic: Raiders and ARL Development Lead The Fight Against AFL and GWS
