Warriors Logan program is exceeding expectations
It’s less than a year since the One New Zealand Warriors announced a partnership with Logan City Council, but the local community response for the famous rugby league club’s packed-out programs around the city are already ‘exceeding all expectations’.
Such is the hot success of the Warriors Inspire Logan (WIL) program since it launched 8 months ago in November, officials are pleased to confirm ‘without question’ that the future friendship with the City of Logan will be long and strong.
WIL Community Manager Mark Tookey explains the WIL concept is a community initiative that uses sport, culture and connection to ‘inspire young people, strengthen communities and create positive opportunities across Logan’.
‘The support we’ve received from schools, families, local businesses and community leaders has created a strong foundation, and we believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible through the partnership between Logan and the Warriors,’ Mr Tookey says.
WIL is also creating pathways for aspiring athletes through the Warriors Academy, which now has more than 60 young athletes involved.
‘Academy participants have already taken part in the NSW Cup Trial Day in Logan and the Warriors’ on-field Magic Round experience, providing exciting pathways and memorable opportunities for local youth,’ Mr Tookey says.
WIL events in Logan include school holiday programs, which are also fast to fill up with eager locals.
The school holiday program is on again for the upcoming mid-year school break, being held on 2 July at Logan Metro Sports Complex in Heritage Park, in sessions for children aged 5 to 8, 9 to 14, and for All Abilities from 5 to 14. See details here: Warriors Inspire Logan school holiday program – Our Logan.
‘Our school holiday programs provide children with the opportunity to be active, make new friends, learn new skills and connect with positive role models in a safe and fun environment,’ Mr Tookey says.
‘We’re especially proud that our programs are designed to be inclusive … including those who may require additional support.’
For Mr Tookey, the program’s achievements go far beyond numbers.
‘Participation numbers are important, but success is really measured by the impact we have on people,’ he says.
‘Seeing children gain confidence, schools inviting us back, families engaging at our events and hearing positive community feedback tells us we’re making a genuine difference.
‘One of the most rewarding things is how often schools now reach out asking us to return.’
Mr Tookey says WIL is now being invited to assist with gala days, sporting events and wellbeing initiatives.
‘They’ve seen the positive impact our team has on students.’
‘The response from the community is exceeding all expectations … it shows the strong community spirit that exists throughout Logan.’
Other upcoming events include a Warriors and Dolphins pre-game experience on Saturday 27 June, being held in Brisbane at The Beetson Hotel in Caxton Street, with funds raised going towards the WIL program. For information visit Warriors & Dolphins Pre-Game Experience Tickets.
‘It’s shaping up to be a fantastic afternoon featuring Warriors and Dolphins legends, great food and drinks and plenty of stories and insights before fans march to Suncorp Stadium,’ Mr Tookey says.
‘We’re also excited about our upcoming WAHS-Tag Community Gala Day on July 18, which focuses on participation, teamwork and community spirit.
‘Most importantly, everything we do is guided by our belief in building better humans through sport, culture and connection while creating stronger communities together.’
Keep up with events and find out more at Warriors Inspire Logan Community | Facebook.
