op RL Clubs Giving Back to Communities

Top RL Clubs Giving Back to Communities

In the days leading up to the 2015 NZRL Awards on February 3, we take a look at the outstanding finalists in each category. Today, we consider the contenders for Grassroots Club of the Year, won by Hornby Panthers of Canterbury last year.

Two of the final three clubs hail from Akarana Zone and they’ve had to overcome tough challenges to achieve remarkable growth in recent seasons.

Another common thread through all our nominees – giving back to the local community.

Glenfield Greyhounds (Auckland/Akarana Zone)

Six years ago, the Greyhounds were struggling to field two junior teams and a senior side in the Auckland Phelan Shield.

One year after celebrating 50 years, Glenfield had 14 junior teams, two premier sides and two masters outfits. It has become one of the strongest clubs on the North Shore.

“This was not achieved without a lot of very hard work from a very committed team, with the support of many volunteers,” says secretary Simon Watson. “This hard work has created a club that everyone is proud to call their own.

“During this period, the club committee reduced debt of more than $60,000, which they were able to announce at their 50-year celebrations.”

During 2015, the Greyhounds entered a formal relationship with Navy Dolphins, which enabled them to field premier and premier sides under the changes to Phelan and Sharman Cup competitions.

“The 2015 season was tough, but because of the foundations of this partnership, they made it through,” says Watson. “It meant that Glenfield could remain as a premier club, as could the Navy Dolphins.”

New Lynn Stags (Auckland/Akarana Zone)

The Stags underwent a massive upheaval six years ago, when its board was overturned in an attempt to introduce a more professional model and compete in the Fox Memorial, Auckland’s top club competition.

“When this happened, we lost many of our loyal families and, indeed, any participation the club had with its local community,” says current chairman Tai Nuualiitia. “For two years, our membership fell and although our premier team had a financial sponsor, we effectively lost our spirit.”

That philosophy came to an end at the 2014 annual meeting and last year was one of rebuilding the club’s relationship with its supporters and its local community.

“In fact, the secret of our success is going out into the community and talking to our neighbours, making sure that any concerns they have are directed to me personally and can be discussed,” says Nuualiitia.

The Stags have had to rebuild their senior team, but have expanded their player base to field three new junior teams and an international 16s grade side.

Their efforts have seen New Lynn named ARL Club of the Year, Nuualiitia was named Sport Waitakere Administrator of the Year and its entire senior team management graduated to representative honours with either Akarana or Counties Manukau zones.

“We are very proud of our input into our league family and as a result, we believe we have achieved more than any other club could in such a short time.”

Pacific Sharks (Waikato/Upper Central Zone)

The Tokoroa-based Sharks have become a focal point for the town’s population and boast some outstanding facilities that make it an ideal venue for NZRL and Upper Central Zone high performance camps.

But they also recognise the important part they have to play in their community and have used their profile to champion several worthy causes. For example, about 50 players were involved in anti-bullying and community needs workshops.

“This project was focused no how NZRL and, more importantly, our zone can assist clubs and their communities to address the issues of bullying and the impact this has on the club, whanau and its community,” says Waikato SportsForce development officer Dave McMeeken.

“Pacific Sharks have introduced a reading programme in local schools, with the support of the NZ Warriors, using rugby league as a vehicle to inspire these young impressionable students and promote the importance of education.

“They are the epitome of what league clubs around their zone, and even in the wider community of New Zealand, should strive to be more like. As a club, they adhere to every single NZRL value, they go above and beyond to care, not only for their own, but also welcome as many people as possible to join them in their journey.”

Who will take out the NZRL Grassroots Club of the Year award?

ENDS

© Scoop Media