Rugby league clubs are an integral part of communities for players, officials, coaches and volunteers.
They foster connection and community which is so important for boys and girls of all ages and all shapes, sizes and skill levels.
Rugby league teaches kids real life skills that go way beyond the field to help them thrive in life, with the NRL encouraging families to sign up at their local club to be part of this amazing community – and above all else, have some fun.
For Jillaroos legend Sam Bremner, the Helensburgh Tigers was her junior club of choice, following in the footsteps of her dad and brother who had both played for the club.
“I loved the environment and the sense of belonging and community,” said Bremner.
“You get to make friends and be part of something pretty special.
“And now you can play from four-years-old all the way through to an adult if you’re a young girl which is unreal.”
The core values of our game are strength, resilience, mateship and community and that’s what attracted Hall of Famer Brad Fittler, who now works in Participation and Community with the NRL.
“I started playing junior rugby league when I was about three or four years old with the Sadleir Bulldogs,” Fittler said.
“My second year we realised footy was a fun game and it was something we enjoyed doing and it is something I’ve ended up doing my whole life.
“I love the game, the mateship, the camaraderie, and it does a lot for your confidence.”
Junior Rugby League and the NRL’s player development framework emphasise fun, inclusion, skills development and safety.
The player development framework teaches junior participants confidence, competence, character, connection and contribution.
As 2023 Westpac ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Andrew Unger says "local football would not survive without volunteers… It’s the most fulfilling role to see kids smile each week.
"Parents get involved with anything from making sandwiches to putting goal post pads on to coaching, and it’s super rewarding for kids to look up to volunteers and their commitment to the game."
So if you’d like to be part of this amazing community and have fun and meet new friends then you can find your local club and register to play at playrugbyleague.com
