Some of the country’s top up-and-coming rugby union talent made their way to Armidale for a camp at the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Around 45 players took part in the three-day camp which acted as a selection trial for the National Indigenous Under 17s team to take part in the 2018 National Youths Championship in December.
They were joined on Saturday by former Wallaby Gary Ella who was hoping to inspire the current group of players coming through the junior ranks to take up opportunities wherever they present themselves with the camp about more than just on-field opportunities.
“I generally talk about how my opportunities came about – don't be scared, have a go because you mightn't think so but there is always a lot of support available for young people,” Ella told The Armidale Express last week.
“The biggest focus we have in one sense is that we talk about the opportunities that rugby can offer, the mateship and those type of things.
“We also hold a couple of important lifestyle sessions as well, things about mental health, things about career opportunities, whether it is employment or further education, making healthy choices.
“There is also all of those other opportunities that we can deliver and talk to the participants about.”
The camp’s coordinator Rod Wiley said while the on-field trials were a highlight, there was plenty of positive feedback on the off-the-field activities.
“I had a few parents say that their kids came back talking about all the new friends they had made,” he said.
“Playing with each other and against each other was obviously a highlight.
“We found it valuable because part of our government grant we have got to provide workshops for them.
“We got some of the local health and TAFE guys in and they talked about drug and alcohol abuse and further education after high school which is very important.”
Wiley said the talent on display was impressive, so much so that they haven’t finalised the make-up of the squads for the Championships.
“We are still finalising, there are still a few spots up for grabs,” he said.
“We are still mulling over a couple.
“We were pretty happy with the standard.
“A lot of our experience girls couldn't make it for one reason or another and a few of them are going to be included without trialing because they played last year and we know about them.
“It is more about getting these younger ones the chance to experience the four days there in Brisbane with the older girls and they will come away a lot better prepared for next year because some of them are eligible for next year.”