Junior Raiders ready to tackle a new season

As the AFL and Rugby League seasons draw to a close, the Port Douglas Reef Rugby Union club are only warming up for their junior competition. Kicking off on October 4th, the Rugby Union season offers a shorter, off-season option to keep kids active and social over the summer and they’re currently on the lookout for new players to join the team! 

With teams starting at under 9’s through to under 15’s, there is plenty of opportunity for both boys and girls to get involved. Juniors spokesperson, Janice Ruffles, says the club welcomes newcomers of all skill levels and ages. “Training for the season has only just begun so it’s definitely not too late to join in and come and see what Rugby Union is all about!” she said. 

After reviving the junior arm of the club in 2022 after a 10-year hiatus, the Reef Raiders are focusing on their rebuild and further expanding to include a fully-manned Under 9’s team. “We want to continue to grow the Rugby team and have the kids utilise our first rate field and clubhouse and the camaraderie that comes with joining the Reef Raiders Club,” Ms Ruffles explained.

The Reef Raiders Rugby Rugby Union Club falls under the Fair Play Voucher initiative, which was introduced by the Queensland government as a way to help eliminate some of the costs involved in team sports such as registration and participation fees. Each voucher, valued at $200, means that eligible children between 5 - 17 should be able to join the club with no out of pocket expense. 

Ms Ruffles said it was an important initiative to ensure all children have access to sport. “Sport is such a critical part of Australian culture. It not only keeps kids fit and active but it also provides a social hub for families and helps build local networks across both Port Douglas, Mossman and surrounds. It also emphasises values such as respect and sportsmanship, which can positively influence youth development,” she said. 

Weekly training sessions are held Mondays 5pm at the Mossman showgrounds and Tuesday 6pm at Raider Park, Port Douglas.