The St George Illawarra Dragons are proud to have treated children from all their regions with some amazing, once in a life time opportunities.
Kids from the St George and Illawarra regions have been fortunate enough to play alongside their favourite Dragons players, lead the team onto the ground at home games on the biggest stages and got to see how the team prepares, trains and relaxes at the Dragons training facility.
Many players from junior clubs across Illawarra and St George have the opportunity to be part of the Dragons ‘Run On Little Ambassador’ program whereby they accompany Dragons players as they run onto the field.
Each home game, 17 proud little dragons will have this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The reports from kids, parents and junior league officials have been extremely positive.
One lucky Stingray from Shellharbour couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he lead the Dragons side out alongside his hero Ben Creagh.
“I had the best time, the players made us feel a part of their team. One day I want to lead the Dragons out”, they said.
Illawarra and St George district kids were also treated to some fun and exciting skills, games and experiences with the Dragons players at a recent Holiday clinic.
All kids went home with unforgettable memories and a story to tell.
These memories included scoring a try from a Benji pass, being tackled by Trent Merrin and tackling big George Rose.
Fifteen Dragons were on hand to rumble with the kids. Fantastic to see the smiles on the kid’s faces as the players joined in and began playing. Wow! the kids were buzzing, side by side, passing or receiving the ball from their NRL heroes.
One proud little Thirroul Butchers said, “I loved playing footy with the Dragons, I stepped past Joel Thompson and scored a try”.
The holiday clinic kids were also treated to a few experiences not normally seen at a typical clinic.
The kids received a tour of the Dragons home shed, their recovery room and got to run onto WIN Stadium as a Dragons player.
Everyone loved this experience.
Especially getting to sit where the players sit, and creating a Dragons huddle before running out onto the field.
All in attendance also got to experience a post-match media conference.
The kids were taking the role as coach and captain and answered questions in front of the Dragons media backdrop as seen after matches in the NRL.
The Dragons media team asked questions to challenge the captain and coach and were really happy with the responses from the local children.
The recent activities have helped to inspire the next generation of little Rugby League fans to be involved in Rugby League activities and maybe one day get to play in the NRL in the greatest game of all.
