Tackle Together clinics are a true community collaboration designed to engage young people in a positive way.
A new, collaborative initiative aimed at engaging and empowering youth through the sport of rugby league got underway in Normanton last week.
The first Tackle Together – Community School Holiday program delivered two days of football-focused activities and fun, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration, community spirit, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits.
Cowboys Programs Manager Ray Thompson said the program was a unique way to breakthrough communication barriers.
“Sometimes, all it takes for a young person to find their path is to be connected to others and feel part of something, and this has been a true community effort,” Ray said.
“Rugby league is a game for everyone, and it provides a common ground for us to connect in a meaningful way with young people who otherwise might be difficult or impossible to reach,” he said.
Cowboys Programs Manager Ray Thompson with Tim Simpson and Salesi Tu'itahi from Carpentaria Shire Council
"Tackle Together Activations are free and engaging clinics designed to offer young participants a lively and constructive way to focus their energy while fostering collaboration, dedication, and personal growth.
“The program also provides a platform for various agencies, including Queensland Police, to engage with young people in a non-confrontational manner which reduces the likelihood of their involvement in negative behaviours.”
The Tackle Together clinics are part of a broader collaboration between the Cowboys Community Foundation and the Normanton community to encourage young people of the region to attend school, be active and positively engaged in their community.
The delivery is funded by the Youth Development Partnership Fund, a joint initiative between the Department of Tourism and Sport and the Queensland Police Service to support youth crime prevention projects that, through sport and recreation activities, improve physical and mental health outcomes amongst youth and is delivered in Normanton.
Ray, along with Cowboys Development and Participation Coach Joe Cockshott and Community Engagement Officers Tahlulah Tillett and Krystal Blackwell delivered the clinics, with help in coordination provided by Carpentaria Shire Council, Queensland Police Service, Bynoe CAC, Gidgee Healing, Normanton Stingers Rugby League, Normanton State School, and Gulf Christian College.
Detective Mitch shooting hoops with the kids during the two-day event
As part of the broader program the Cowboys are also delivering their Try for 5! Program to Normanton State School and Gulf Christian College and are already demonstrating positive results.
“We’re excited to be supporting communities to keep their young people connected and inspired to be the best versions of themselves,” said Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling.
“We know attending school on a consistent basis not only supports students’ education outcomes, but it enhances social and emotional development, and promotes essential life skills like discipline and responsibility,” she said.
“Both school communities have embraced the Try for 5! message and after just one Term have increased their average attendance across the board, while the MVP students, selected to receive some extra one-on-one support, have demonstrated marked increases in their engagement at school.”
