Titans help launch League for Lads program

by NRL

Gold Coast were joined at training by junior players from Highland Reserve State School for the launch of a new school based program which uses rugby league as a vehicle to enhance student behaviour.

The League for Lads program (L4L) is an education initiative for boys in years 5-7 who have an interest in footy and who are achieving below their potential behaviourally.

L4L provides boys with the opportunity to learn and develop skills in Rugby League while encouraging and developing appropriate behaviour, confidence and self-esteem in students who participate.

The program's primary purpose is to increase the quality and quantity of students' participation and attitude to their schoolwork through the inclusion of Rugby League in the curriculum at Highland Reserve State School.

The Jetstar Titans are getting behind the concept and have made an ongoing commitment towards the program, with hooker Matt Srama today named as a League for Lads ambassador.

Srama said he was only too happy to support the program.

"It's very important. I think the Gold Coast Titans are one of the best clubs for initiating programs involved with schools around the community,'' said Srama.

"The League 4 Lads program is a way to get the kids with some behavioural issues to play a bit of footy and teach them that away for footy you need to be well behaved as well so I was happy to jump on board for this program.

"Our main focus is discipline so it's definitely good to get them at a young age ? most of them are grade 5-7 ? so it's good to get them in early and teach them the ropes.''

The objectives of the L4L program are to:

* Provide motivation for the boys to consistently display appropriate effort, attitude and behaviour at school
* Provide an opportunity to develop Rugby League skills in a safe, non threatening and positive environment;

For schools, L4L provides opportunities to:

* develop and enhance the commitment and responsibility of students selected to participate;
* develop stronger links and improve social interaction between student groups and school staff
* decrease behavioural issues occurring in boys in years 5-7.

For student participants, L4L provides opportunities to:

* participate in Rugby League in a safe, non threatening and positive environment; while learning from positive "role models";
* develop or enhance social and personal skills such as confidence, self-esteem, commitment, punctuality, cooperation, relationship building, teamwork and goal setting;
* acquire a more positive attitude towards school.

Your thoughts?