For young aspiring rugby league players coming from a regional area or from overseas, the transition to life in Sydney, and more specifically the Sutherland Shire, can often be daunting.
Talented youngsters are recruited and brought into the Sharks system to begin their rugby league journeys and to chase the NRL dream, but with the change in lifestyle certainly comes challenges.
However, in an effort to make the move somewhat smoother, the Sharks assign many of these young players to Homestay Families.
So they are best able to concentrate their efforts on training and playing for the Sharks, these families support and provide accommodation for the young relocating players.
The likes of Ronaldo Mulitalo, Will Kennedy and Braydon Trindall are a few examples from the current NRL squad to have benefitted from living with local area Homestay families.
While the Club is appreciative of the families currently accommodating and looking after some of the younger players, they are always looking for those interested in doing similar and being a part of the Sharks Homestay program.
“These young players benefit from a having family environment to support them in their dreams of one day playing in the NRL competition,” Sharks Welfare Manager Jeff Robson said.
“Players would be attending school locally, pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship, ,maybe working fulltime, whilst fulfilling their training and playing commitments with the Sharks,” he added.
Typically, the players are aged between 16 and 19 and on most occasions would live with the Homestay Family for between one to two years, although sometimes also for a short term, depending on the individual circumstances.
Families are compensated for food and expenses.
Anyone who would like to assist the Club or who knows someone that might be interested in hosting a young Shark and being involved in the Homestay program, please contact Jeff Robson ([email protected]) or Glenn Brailey ([email protected]) for further details and more information.
