Ballina Coast H.S. launches female rugby academy

BALLINA Coast High School has launched a high-performance female rugby academy in partnership with NSW Rugby Union and the Ballina Seahorses, aiming to develop the region’s top young players into representatives.

The girls will train three days a week and will have access to strength and conditioning training with support from NSW Rugby.

The academy is a first for the region and is delivered entirely on school grounds for students of all ages.

Ballina Coast High School teacher Cameron McQuhae and NSW Rugby development officer Will Campbell were instrumental in setting up the academy.

“The program offers them access to everything players get from training at the elite level,” McQuhae said.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a few years now and we’re committed to seeing it through.

“We needed support to get it off the ground and we’re lucky to have local partners and NSW Rugby come on board.”

The program started with 18 girls registered, with about 15 more players expected to join after the touch football season ends.

It will focus on sevens rugby where they will play in school-based and larger tournaments throughout the year.

The older girls will also receive dispensation to play in the open women’s team at Ballina in the Far North Coast competition.

Education is a major component of the year-long program, with nutritional support and other courses available.

Campbell is based locally and will be heavily involved in the NSW Rugby component.

He said the program has the potential to be the envy of other schools across the country.

“This has been a big target of mine due to the amount of talent at the school,” he said.

“There is a chance that this program will become the standard for others to follow not just in the state but around Australia.

“The relationship with the Ballina rugby club has the potential to be long lasting while having access to NSW Rugby resources will be invaluable for these girls.”