An official launch of the Bundaberg Furniture Court/Beds R Us Eastern Suburbs Tigers Wide Bay Rugby League Development Academy was held on Wednesday night, with local players and supporting businesses in attendance.
Young and talented rugby league players will now have the opportunity to further develop their skills here in Bundaberg on their journey to a football career.
The academy, in partnership with Shalom College, provides a high-quality model to help develop future stars while delivering players in the region with a new pathway through to the Intrust Super Cup.
Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Helen Blackburn attended the launch and said the academy was a fine example of proud sportsmanship within the community.
“The Bundaberg Region has been the home of many great and legendary athletes including league stars such as Felise and Patrick Kaufusi whose careers rose through the Easts Tigers system due to the affiliation between Melbourne Storm and the feeder club,” Cr Blackburn said.
“We have a proud sporting history and our sporting future looks just as bright.
“The academy provides an opportunity for our local players to truly shine and I thank everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.”
Professional dreams pursued
Shalom College rugby league coordinator Neil Feather said the academy aimed to develop the skills and character of participating young rugby league players.
“The academy provides a direct pathway out of Bundaberg to the Intrust Super Cup or NRL through the Melbourne Storm,” he said,
“This also has the added benefit of allowing talented players the ability to stay in Bundaberg for further development rather than leave for Brisbane to pursue their rugby league dreams.”
Mr Feather said the launch had been a long time in the making and was a tremendous asset for the Bundaberg community.
“It is supported entirely by the community and local businesses, making the academy a true Bundaberg extension of Easts Tigers RLFC,” he said.
Shalom partnership
Shalom College has played a vital role in the implementation of the academy and Mr Feather said the school would continue to support those involved in the academy.
“Shalom College students will have regular segments on their Shalom TV station featuring local businesses and allowing significant product advertisement to occur to a potentially unlimited audience,” Mr Feather said.
“Shalom College is exceptionally proud to have an association with a club as steeped in tradition as Easts Tigers and we are also very proud to be supporting the local businesses who helped to make the academy happen.”
- Easts Tigers back new development academy
Academy sponsors
The academy is supported by local businesses including:
- Bundaberg Furniture Court — Beds R Us
- The Waves
- Greensill Farming Group
- Shawline Embroidery
- Shalom College
