Almost 200 budding future rugby league players have had a taste of what it’s like to be a North Queensland Toyota Cowboy this week as part of the first Cowboys Ringers Clinic for 2025.
The Cowboys Game Participation Team hosted three days of clinics with girls and boys from ages 7 to 12 for skills, drills and game play on the same training field as their heroes.
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the school holiday clinics were part of the club’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong youth involvement in rugby league.
“Whether they’re new to the game or already making strides in a junior club, this is a wonderful opportunity for around 180 youngsters to visit Hutchinson Builders Centre, learn some skills, have some fun and meet new people,” Reibel said.
“Our NRL team is currently in pre-season, so it’s also a chance for these young people to spend a few hours in the shoes of their Cowboys heroes, and it’s always great for us to have their enthusiasm and energy around the club as well.
“They may be small in stature, but we know many have big dreams to play rugby league and we hope they gain some knowledge and inspiration to keep playing the game they love.”
Each Cowboys Ringer will learn the basics of rugby league and then have the chance to practice their new skills in an age-specific, controlled game with their new teammates.
The clinics are being facilitated by the Cowboys Game Participation Team, led by former player Ray Thompson, who said it would be more than ball skills the youngsters would take away.
“It’s always very rewarding to meet and engage with young footy players and fans,” Thompson said.
“I remember what it was like to be a little fella dreaming of playing professionally, but it’s the other lessons the game has taught me which have also positively impacted my life after footy,” he said.
“Learning how to be a good teammate, how to communicate well, building resilience and being able to take on constructive feedback are all skills that transfer from the footy field into other areas of life, like school, work and home life.”
The clinics got underway Wednesday with the 7-8 year-olds, the 9-10’s took the field on Thursday and wrapped up Friday with the 11-12’s age group.
