Last Friday, the South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal Under 12’s Girls Tackle Development Program wrapped up at a sun-bathed Sid Parrish Park, Figtree.
The six-week program, facilitated by Illawarra Rugby League (IRL), consisted of teams from Corrimal, Wests Illawarra, and Port Kembla.
The program aimed to increase playing opportunities for the region’s junior female participation base and transition female participants from Touch Football and League Tag into the tackle format of the game.
IRL League and Club Support Officer Blake Edwards praised the inaugural program and expects it to expand in the coming years.
Missing Link
“The Under 12’s Girls Tackle Development Program was a great success and of significant importance,” Edwards said.
“The idea came from some research into what other districts were doing in this space and recent feedback about a missing link in the girls’ pathway within the Illawarra.”
“The program targeted girls who were looking to give tackle a go, with the emphasis on developing and learning the foundation skills associated with the tackle format of the game in a safe, inclusive, and educational setting.”
Edwards explained the NRL’s Game Development team ran a Tackle Ready session to begin the program, which helped build a base from which these girls could branch out.
“As the program rolled on, it was evident that the girls’ skill set was increasing significantly, which speaks volumes to the commitment of the competing clubs and their respective coaching and training staff who invested in this concept.
“I am proud that we were able to offer the program and get it off the ground in such a short time.
“I am thankful to all involved who made it a success, and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow in the coming seasons.
Pathway To Success
Edwards said aligning with the Illawarra Steelers’ Women and Girls Pathway ensures the program’s sustainability.
“It’s important that we as a district keep up with the demands of the female game to aid our strong female junior representative pathways system.
“The Steelers have invested a lot of money and resources into these high-performance programs, so it’s our responsibility to continue to develop the players within our community-level competitions.”
For small clubs like Port Kembla it’s initiatives such as these that are vital to help grow the game at grass roots level.
“Great job from all involved. Hope this program and others like this, continue for years to come,” said Matty Buckman, Port Kembla Junior Rugby League.
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