Last weekend, around eighty athletes aged from thirteen through to seventeen took part in the Far West Academy of Sport’s (FWAS) Rugby League camp at Warren.   

Of the eleven regional academies of sport in NSW, FWAS covers the largest area, taking in about 40% of the state and incorporating some of NSW’s most disadvantaged communities.

The rugby league camp on Sunday 22 October also saw a marked increase in the number of girls attending, as interest in women’s tackle football grows. 

The Head Coach of the U15s girls’ squad is Poi Birtles, who is based at Coonabarabran.

Poi was awarded the 2023 National Rugby League (NRL) Women in League Award, in recognition of her dedication to rugby league and her encouragement of female participation in the sport. 

As well as being involved with player development, Poi says that she enjoys mentoring young women who are striving to achieve pathways in women’s rugby league. 

“FWAS is a great opportunity for girls, one hundred per cent,” she said. “The NRWL is booming and being a part of the Academy can get a player’s name out there, and they can learn that nothing is impossible if you take advantage of the opportunities that are here for you.”

Poi Birtles plans her next move.

Athletes at the camp also had the opportunity to participate in a tailored, interactive workshop delivered by Joe Williams, a Wiradjuri-Wolgalu man and former NRL player, who made the switch from the NRL to professional boxing.  

While forging his professional sporting career, Joe experienced various mental health and substance abuse issues and, after suffering a health crisis in 2012, pivoted his life purpose towards helping young people to avoid the pitfalls that come with elite level sport. 

During his workshop, he talked to the participants about dealing with disappointment and adversity, developing resilience, and maintaining emotional well-being. 

There are four more overnight camps scheduled for this season, with the girls scheduled to travel to Sydney in December to take part in a trial match against the Manly Sea Eagles. 

FWAS will also continue to offer programs for netball and tennis. Academy Program Director Miranda Richardson says that there plans afoot for 2024 to hopefully implement a Lone Star program, aimed at assisting high potential athletes from various disciplines to pursue their sporting dreams. 

“As well as growing player skills, we place a big emphasis on being respectful, having fun and making friends,” explained Miranda. “We aim to help participants not only develop as athletes, but to also develop life skills that will help them in sport, at school and with life in general."