A group of 14 lucky students from Young High School had the chance to get up close with several of the Brumbies Rugby team in their Friday night match against the Reds last week.
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The students – Jake Davis, Dennis Foster, Javarn Phillips, Abdul Arja, Konah Miller, Ethan Bennett-Brown, Henry Berry, Nick Martin, Steven Anderson, Josh Oehm, Edward Wood, jack Staff, Charlie Butt and Kyal Smith – are part of the school’s leadership team and Champions mentoring program.
They were given the opportunity to attend the game as a reward for their efforts throughout the year.
Young High’s School Community Liaison Officer Kaliegh Smerdon said the Brumbies were extremely supportive of the idea and supplied free tickets to the game.
“The Brumbies do a lot of community outreach stuff and were more than happy to support the school in our project,” Smerdon said.
The students were invited onto the field with 15 minutes remaining of the match, and met several players after the game.
One student, Jake Davis, described the outing as fun.
“They were wrapped,” Smerdon said. “
“You don’t often get much out of teenage boys when they’re talking to you but they really had a good time, they really enjoyed it.”
In what seemed to be a highlight of the trip, Young High School principal, Keith Duran, said the players came over and chatted with the students and signed shirts and souvenirs.
“The trip was an opportunity to recognise the contribution these students make to our school,” Duran said.
“The boys were very chuffed when they got escorted down the tunnel onto the field.”
Brumbies Rugby Senior Development Officer, Damien Tyson said the opportunity to get down onto the sideline during a game would usually cost around $300 per person.
“We see the value in acknowledging country kids and getting them to games and having them meet players,” Tyson said.
“The school approached us and explained how these boys are leaders and role models within their school and we wanted to support the good work they are doing.”
The students were also lucky enough to meet rugby legend George Gregan who was on field doing post player interviews.
Smerdon said while the outing was a first for the school, the Brumbies have indicated their interest in making it a regular occurrence.
“It’s the first time the school’s done something like this, and our contact at the Brumbies said it’s something they’d love to do with us every year and to lock it in,” she said.
