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