Some lucky young players in north Queensland will have their chance to brush up on their rugby league skills with the Atherton Junior Rugby League club hosting two League Stars clinics next week.
There will be two clinics being run on Thursday, July 9, with a limited capacity of 40 participants in each session.
The first session will be for under 6 to under 9 year olds and will run from 9.30am to 11.30am; while a second session for under 10 to under 12 year olds will take place from 12.30 to 2.30pm.
As well as receiving training from the NRL Development staff who will be on hand to deliver the program, the older players will also have the experience of Northern Pride Intrust Super Cup coach Ty Williams and Hastings Deering Colts coach Dave Scott there to guide them.
Former Origin player Williams is sure to have plenty of stories to tell and rugby league tips to share with those taking part.
NRL game development officer Alby Anderson, who has been co-ordinating the clinics, said he was looking forward to welcoming the children back to the field.
“For the junior group, at the moment we will be following our League Stars program, so it will all be non-contact rugby league games; it’s an introductory programs for kids,” Anderson said.
“Obviously being off all this time; this is a great program to get the cobwebs out of them before they start training again.
“It will be some school holiday fun and from what I hear, the kids are chomping at the bit to get back.
“We are the same, for staff, it’s great to be back at work and we are definitely looking forward to it.
“The Eacham competition is also looking to be back up and going again (soon), so straight after the holidays, so we thought it would be a great idea to give the younger ones an opportunity to get the cobwebs out and there might be some kids too who have missed out on other sport that might want to come and have a crack as well.”
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While the League Stars is an introductory rugby league program, the clinics are not only for beginners.
“If kids have played before, they can still join in,” Anderson said.
“[Even with the older age group] we will be doing mini-mod stuff, along the same lines, but just a little bit more of an advanced program.
“We will play non-contact rugby league games ... that will be delivered by NRL staff.
“We are hoping for 40 participants for each session; and with COVID-19, we have a plan and will follow the new rules.
“It’s also open to kids in Cairns and from across the region.”
To register for either of the League Starts school holiday clinics in Atherton, you will need to sign in via your NRL Account via the Play Rugby League website:
The clinic will be held a Atherton Junior Rugby League Club, Gold Links Road, Atherton on Thursday, July 9 and will cost $25 to participate.
For more information, contact Alby Anderson at 0448 812 005 or aanderson@nrl.com.au.
All participants will receive a rugby league ball and water bottle to take home.
Once registered, participants will receive more information on COVID-19 protocols before attending.
