Souths Cares has launched a new initiative to provide young aspiring female Rugby League players with a robust training program leading into the 2024 Junior League season.
The second session of the pre-season program was held at Waterloo Oval on Friday and had a great turn-out with 10 participants attending the session which focused on speed, agility and fundamental Rugby League skills.
The free five-week program is co-facilitated by Souths Cares Mentors Nakia Davis-Welsh and Daisy Gordon, whom both have a wealth of experience in Rugby League and are teammates in the Rabbitohs NSW Premiership Squad.
Nakia Davis-Welsh is originally from Kempsey and moved to Newcastle to attend Hunter Sports High School and later to Sydney in the pursuit of her Rugby League career. Nakia has represented the Indigenous All-Stars on five occasions, won three consecutive State of Origin series with NSW and won the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with the Australian Jillaroos.
Daisy Gordon is originally from Casino and moved to Sydney last year to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs NSW Premiership Team. Prior to moving to Sydney, Daisy spent three years as the Captain and Coach for Evans Head Bombers League-Tag team, played for the Tweed Seagulls in the 2023 Queensland Premiership Competition, won the 2023 Queensland Murri Carnival and then won the 2024 Murri vs Koori Interstate Challenge.
The concept for Souths Cares pre-season program came through consultation with junior players, parents and community who identified a gap in elite coaching programs to support female Rugby League players wanting to take their Rugby League to the next level.
As a mentor in Souths Cares Deadly Youth Mentoring Program, Nakia utilizes sport, fitness and nutrition as important tools for building participant’s self-esteem and creating positive social connections.
The five week pre-season program ties in perfectly with the individual goals Nakia has been working on with participants in the Deadly Youth Mentoring Program who have also joined the group training program.
Nakia emphasized the important role that team sport plays for young people.
"I love teaching the younger generation and sharing my knowledge in Rugby League.
Playing a team sport is a great way to build positive friendships, which is particularly relevant for two of the girls in our program who have recently moved to Sydney from country NSW", Nakia said.
Daisy explained she was enjoying the opportunity to work with the talented group.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to give these young girls an insight of what an elite athlete is required to do in training. I've been impressed with girl's attitude towards learning and developing their skills", Daisy said.
Over the remaining three weeks, the pre-season training program will continue to develop participant’s fitness and skills as they approach the start of their Junior League seasons.
With the talent and commitment shown by all participants in the group, the future is looking bright for the next generation of female Rugby League stars.
