Sport
3 March, 2024
Mossman Junior Sharks will ‘try’ hard this season
The Mossman Junior Sharks Rugby League Club provides an opportunity for youngsters to, not only get involved in a team sport, but also get fit, have fun and maybe even become a future NRL star.
They are currently gearing up for another exciting season, in which they plan to be stepping up their training with more contact and tackling practise during the sessions.
The club, under the fresh leadership of president Daniel Hober and the dedicated committee, has kicked off the season with unprecedented success. This year’s season launch, not only witnessed a significant increase in community engagement, but also marked a notable surge in participation across all age groups, with a special emphasis on the critical 13-17 year-old boys and girls.
For the past two decades, this age group has seen a worrying decline in participation in sport in the Douglas Shire, a trend that has been a concern for both the club and the wider Mossman community. Many within the club attribute this downturn to the absence of competitive rugby league teams and academies within the local schools. Initiatives that have been highly successful in the Cairns and Townsville communities.
Such programs have been instrumental in other areas for, not only enhancing school attendance rates, but also providing a positive outlet for teenagers, steering them away from potential involvement in crime and fostering a sense of belonging and community.
In response to these challenges, President Hober and the committee have spearheaded a series of initiatives aimed at reversing this trend and reigniting a passion for rugby league among the youth of the Douglas shire.
The club’s outreach efforts have included posters and flyers in the local schools, implementation of a partnership with the Cape York Girls Academy who are bringing 10 girls to training twice a week, a social media campaign and come and try sessions specifically tailored to attract young people back to the sport.
“We believe every child in our community deserves the chance to engage in sports, to learn teamwork, discipline, and to gain the health benefits that come with regular physical activity,” said President Hober.
“Our aim is to make rugby league accessible to all and to build a strong, supportive network for the youth of the Douglas shire.”
The initiatives introduced by the new leadership have already begun to yield positive results, with an increase in registrations and active participation from both boys and girls across all age groups.
This revitalised interest speaks volumes about the potential impact of dedicated community and school engagement on youth sports participation.
Furthermore, the club has placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that opportunities to play and engage with the sport are open to everyone, irrespective of their prior experience or background. This inclusive approach aims to create a welcoming environment for all, encouraging diversity and unity within the team and the broader community.
The success of the Mossman Junior Sharks Rugby League Club’s season launch is a beacon of hope for the future of youth sports in Douglas shire. It underscores the importance of community-based sports programs as a vital tool for engaging young people and providing them with constructive outlets for their energy and talents.
As the season progresses, the club looks forward to building on this positive momentum, with the goal of establishing a lasting legacy of rugby league passion and participation in the Douglas Shire. The Mossman Junior Sharks are not just playing a game; they are building a community, one try at a time.
Go the Junior Sharkies.
I’m off to practice my dummy pass, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
