"Be a Force Player for the day" turns out to be a huge success

Around a hundred kids aged between 13 and 17 turned up at McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont this morning to be part of the inaugural “Be a Force Player for the day” initiative sponsored by BankWest.

 Players were registered at around 8:30 and all received a Force Training shirt, Force Hat,Training program, Entry to the Force training facilities at RugbyWA and a Force Poster and Sticker. The kids morning kicked off with a catch and pass session and to their delight they were joined by the EWF players.

  

David Pocock having a run with the kids

James O Connor waiting for the ball

The rest of the morning was consumed by various activities with the EWF players joining in or the Kids having the opportunity to observe how the big guns do it. The kids then had the opportunity to listen to some advice from Richard Graham and they were able to ask some questions to a couple of Force players. The morning was closed off by Dwayne Nester explaining to the kids how the Academy and selection to the Academy work and how much effort and commitment needs to be put in before the kids will be on a level where they will be able to compete with the best.

Wendy Hickman, Justin Shakeshaft and Mitch Hardy serving lunch

Lunch was served at RugbyWA offices followed by a 3 way rotation session that included a information session on nutrition, a Ice bath session that made the boys scream like girls and to finish it of a information session on how to do gym training at home using mainly your own body and some items from you back yard.

Mark Calverley with a group of kids in the gym

This took until 2:30 and after a walk back to McGillivray Oval the kids were shown more position specific areas of the game. This included sessions for the tight five, back row half backs, 10,12,13 and last but not least the back 3.

It was a great day and all of the players who participated in the inaugural Force Player For A Day program was awarded with a Standing membership to the Force 2011 campaign.

Matt Tink handing out Memberships to all the attendees

A big thank you goes out to all the RugbyWA staff that was involved with the planning and execution of this brilliant day.

Pieter Blackie