Junior Butchers to serve apprenticeship before grade
Junior Butchers to serve apprenticeship before grade
February 21, 2008
Section: Community, Sport
THIRROUL JUNIOR LEAGUE
THIRROUL Rugby League Club is spearheading a new initiative in the Northern Illawarra by taking over the coaching and training roles in under 15s and under 16s.
The initiative aims to develop the Butchers’ juniors into skilled grade players.
It will provide the senior club with a high standard of player coming into under 18s and boost junior coaching staff to a new level.
Thirroul’s seniors hope to maintain this relationship with the juniors to make the transition into grade easier.
The Butchers are the only Carlton League side from Helensburgh to Corrimal and have a strong junior base.
“The idea has been initiated by us and is part of an overall strategy to build a successful club supported by the local community and sponsors,” Butchers first grade coach Phil Ostwald said.
“Another way of building our relationship with the juniors will be that senior players will attend junior coaching sessions and games.”
The Thirroul Butchers’ under 15 and under 16 sides launched their 2008 season with a barbeque at Ruby’s on Bulli Beach recently.
Thirroul junior and former Dragons and Wests player Ryan Powell will coach the under 15s.
He will be assisted by another former Dragon and Magpie, Aaron Beath and ex-Helensburgh Tiger Derek Short.
Former Steeler and Thirroul junior, Brett Jones, will also join the coaching staff when his Illawarra representative coaching duties are complete.
These grade players will be leading the boys into the next phase of their games and the response has been overwhelming.
The skills they bring to the team will definitely make them a force to be reckoned with on the footy field.
Training is held at Gibson Park, Thirroul, every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm-6pm.
Registration is on Saturday, February 23 at Gibson Park from 3pm-5pm (rain, hail or shine).
There will be a sausage sizzle and registration costs $60.
For more information email secretary@thirroulbutchers.com.au, visit www.thirroulbutchers.com.au or phone the club secretary on 4284 9713.