2009 100TH Annual Report CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
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Balmain District Junior Rugby League 2009 100TH Annual Report CHAIRMAN’S REPORT The Season for 2009 commenced was represented on grand final day and this is a testament to our on March 9th when our State Cup coaching co-ordinators, our ambassador program and the hard work by players came together with a all Club Coaches for continuing to teach the skills of the game. representation of our young junior Congratulations to Jennie Webster for once again staging an extremely league players to launch the season well organised event. at the Balmain Leagues Club. This year, Balmain enjoyed a 12% growth A highlight of the year is the annual Life Members Luncheon in of its junior league players which is November hosted by the Balmain Leagues Club. It is a wonderful a wonderful return for the hard opportunity for life members to reunite and reminisce. work by our staff and volunteer To our wonderful band of volunteers involved with Balmain Tigers and the club members in securing new Balmain Junior League, we cannot survive without your assistance; thank players to our competition. you for your wonderful service. The education programs offered to our The Board of Directors continues to meet regularly to discuss the junior league clubs are second to business of the League and to find ways to continually improve. none and there is a wide range from Website training, LeagueNet training, First Aid courses, Coaches, To the District Club, David Trodden and Snr Board Representative, John Managers and Ground Managers Courses. Stapleton, thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior League. Our Vision is to be the best junior rugby league and we are certainly on I extend my sincere thanks to Tim Camiller (Balmain CEO), Michael track and will continue to work hard to improve in all areas. Keech (General Manager), Jennie Webster (Operations) Mick Manning (Patron), and David Wilson (Referee's Chair) for your ongoing support Our Mission is to provide a positive and active environment for the throughout the year. promotion and development of rugby league in the Balmain District. We aim to accomplish this by continuing to strengthen our communication I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the Junior League with all clubs, parents and players and to continue to provide Clubs for their hard work throughout 2009 and 2010 looks to be even opportunities for education for coaches and administrators as well as bigger and better! assistance in seeking funds and grants through fundraising seminars. Robert Henderson For the first time, our Grand Finals Series commenced on Friday Night Chairman with the U19s and U21s and then a full 2 day schedule on Saturday and Balmain District Junior Rugby League Sunday finishing late on Sunday evening. Every Club in our junior league TIGER CUB GOWER EARNS NSW CUP MVP AWARD 2009 was a year to savour for performances – both on and off the field. Balmain-Ryde Eastwood rugby league workhorse David Gower The apprentice electrician gained selection in the NSW Residents (pictured). representative team that challenged Queensland in a curtain-raiser to the final State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium. The powerful back rower and local junior product capped a memorable Gower turned in a strong game for the Blues, who were outclassed on season by capturing the NSW Cup the night, and received a further boost when named Apprentice of the Most Valuable Player Award at the Year at the Central & Northern Sydney Regional Training Awards held at NSWRL annual presentation dinner. the Mercure Hotel. Gower – one of the toughest warriors Gower is a fourth year apprentice at Raven Electrical in Gladesville – a in the NSW Cup competition – played long standing company owned by legendary Balmain forward Harry a key role as the gallant Tigers Raven who played 97 top grade games for the Tigers between 1959-65 roared into the Grand Final against and seven matches for North Sydney in 1966. Bankstown Bulls with stout-hearted “Earning selection in the NSW Residents team, winning the NSW Cup performances. MVP award and playing NRL was a huge buzz,” said Gower, who made The mobile forward – who played with Holy Cross Rhinos and Leichhardt his professional debut with Salford in the English Super League at the Wanderers in the Balmain Junior League – turned in non-stop displays age of 20. as Paul Fletcher’s Tigers captured the imagination of the rugby league “But losing the Grand Final was a huge disappointment after the gutsy public with stirring victories in the finals series. victories we chalked up along the way” he confessed. He was rewarded by head coach Tim Sheens with first grade selection Harry Raven heaped praise on young Gower, who progressed from the and made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers in their crushing 34-12 win Balmain junior rep teams into Premier League in 2004. over the Bulldogs at Sydney Football Stadium in September. “We are proud of David’s achievements – he has a good work ethic and Gower, 23, is now reaping the benefits of his tradesmanlike a bright future in the trade,” said Harry. 100 th ANNUAL REPORT 2009 GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT As the dust settles from our 100th REFEREES birthday the junior league continues to I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Balmain Referees shine with strong growth across Association and thank their members and their Board for their tireless participant numbers and the formation work underpinning our great game. of partnerships within rugby league to provide more competition CONCLUSION AND THANKS opportunities across a longer season. In presenting this report I would like thank all those involved with our The BDJRL has increased sponsorship programs, events and partnership, to the Leagues Club Staff who work through it current and new partners, closely with the rugby league, the Wests Tigers, Balmain Tigers, and along with acquiring grants in support ARLD. of its ongoing initiatives. Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys/girls to Congratulations to each of the 10 local train and play each week. As usual we never seem to be able to thank clubs, from the Committee to those them enough. Congratulations to the BDJRL Board, the working wonderful people in the canteen you all committees, the clubs and their parents along with importantly the kids play an important role in making this the and our great volunteers. best junior league in Australia. I would like I would like to thank our sponsors and supporters specifically Balmain to acknowledge everyone involved and supporting the Balmain District Rugby League in 2009. Tigers Leagues Club, McDonalds Inner West, Mannings, Ryde Eastwood I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work, commitment and Leagues Club (supporting local clubs through CDSE) along with other achievements that Jennie Webster has achieved again in 2009. In partnerships such as X-Blades and JJ Robertson. In 2010 we welcome recognizing our efforts I would also note a special mention to Ross our new major partner Coates Hire NSW and sponsor SpringFree Hunter for again volunteering time during critical periods in 2009. Trampolines. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the supporters of our local INITIATIVES clubs. • Online Database and new centralized registration system including cards, forms 2010 will be a year of further growth, exciting opportunities including a • Good Sports Program with 2 Clubs achieving Level 1 Status new club, more sponsors, fun and encouragement with our key theme • McDonalds Tray Mats across 22 stores for 4 weeks “BE A SPORT JUST SUPPORT”. • Registration banners across the district including primary sites such as I encourage all those involved with this family game to ensure that the Darling Street, Huntleys Point and Parramatta Road kids participating in this great game have fun, enjoy the opportunity • Implementation of Behaviour Management Policy and “Be a Sport – through our encouragement and understanding. Let’s make this an even Just Support” better season in 2010. • Review of Constitution and establishment of Constitutional Review Committee To our small football operations team my thanks to you for a wonderful year and taking ownership of our journey into 2009 the team includes, SEASON LAUNCH but is not limited to, John Stapleton, Lyn Phillis, Jennie Webster, David Our Season of both the Tigers and the BDJRL commenced with the Kelly, Tony Ashton and Tyrone Collins. season launch that included past greats, current representative players, officials, junior league clubs and Wests Tigers players and staff. Mike Keech JP FISM AWARDS NIGHT General Manager – BTFC and BDJRL We held the Awards Night in 2009 which brought together over 300 people from players, to parents, officials, volunteers and supporters to the Balmain Leagues Club. REFEREE SCHOLARSHIPS In 2009 the tigers again sent a scholarship holder and a mentor as part TRIBUTE – of the Cliff Brown Memorial Scholarship in conjunction with the referees association to allow for the further development of referees through the COLIN PARDY U15’s, North Coast Tour BALMAIN Junior League lost another great character in Pyrmont COMMUNITY Colts legend Colin Pardy during the 2009 season. All levels of Balmain Tigers participated in many community activities in 2009 including: ‘Fats’ Pardy was a tireless stalwart for the Colts – an ex player who put • State Cup side training at each local club ground and the opportunity so much back into the game as a long serving coach and official during to mix with the kids and coaches, the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. • A number of meet the players’ functions were held at Balmain Leagues Club, as well as open training sessions, Colin played his junior football with the Glebe Police Boys, Pyrmont Colts • Club presentations, school visits, sponsor events, community festivals and Rozelle Codocks clubs in the BJL where he left his mark as a teak- and alike, tough forward.