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We have a very young squad. Average age is about 17 and 9 months. 80% of the lads have less than 2 seasons of rugby and like a few other clubs our stocks of props are so low that we've played with 14 in first grade more than we'd have liked. With no one that played 1st grade ineligible to play...

Spot on Druid. Can only talk to Blacktown and Norwest as I've got kids playing at both. Where the participation numbers are up are in the older grades where we are seeing lots of kids playing both codes. Big growth in numbers in the 12s, 13s, 14s and 16s. 15s is a lost cause in the district I...

Hi folks, It's really interesting that you mention the North West as it appears to me that these areas are likely the only ones growing. Participation at Norwest and Blacktown is increasing year on year and both clubs seem to be doing very well to bring new players in at all ages. The Western...

Definitely wouldn't be underestimating Gordon, Norths or Eastwood. Typically well prepared. Gordon certainly look to have been blessed with the draw. Definitely looking forward to seeing all the boys in action next week

Parra has retained all of last year's lads, bar the fly half, and has a number of newbies that have come across from league or elsewhere. Considering at a club level, they've lost one game in almost 2 years, it will be interesting to see how they go. There's plenty of talent in the side. Will...

HJ, One of the things we can see livening things up in the U15s is the potential participation of a bunch of lads that didn't play in the JGC program - either through injury, Harold Matts or other commitments. Will be very interesting to see what impact they have and think it's great that they...

For those interested, looks like the game will be streamed on the Reds website tomorrow at 12:45 Qld time.

Totally agree QH.. I certainly didn't feel like we were the target.. but the sentiment offends.

As one of those terrible parents who gives up between 10 and 15 hours of his week to coach one of those 4 15as sides and help out with one of 'those' rep teams, along with acting as a taxi service for a bunch of the boys so they can actually train or play, I'd welcome you to come and share your...

On the funding issue... is there any transparency as to what the true cost of the program is after the parent / fundraising / sponsorship contributions?

I totally agree HJ. For the kids playing in JGC at under 15s level here in Sydney it looks like they'll have one of 4 clubs in A's to play for. I believe a number of the B sides will participate in that comp and will be interested to see how that affects participation next year. The big...

Certainly not my observation. There are some quality 15 year olds who were unavailable and certainly up to the standard. I believe one or two are at, or close to, 1st IV at their schools and / or contracted to NRL clubs.

Totally agree Oldschool. I know a few U15s that gave the program a miss that are now looking on with more interest having seen their mates make a state side

I think there may be a little more than rugby on a young man's mind when he finishes high school and that it's foolish to ignore that all sports see a significant reduction in participation immediately after high school (and, in fact, in the ages from 15-opens). There's absolutely nothing...

It's interesting that no one has mentioned the development opportunity that this program provides the coaches and support personnel. I'm sure they get as much out of having a group of kids that are engaged and keen to work with as the kids do from being coached by people that have put their hand...

Just announced http://www.nswrugby.com.au/Community/JuniorGoldProgram.aspx

Can't speak for the AFL, but League have a very healthy schools comp that happily co exists with club footy and gets televised. Used to be Commonwealth Bank Cup - until there was a brawl if I recall - now think it's sponsored by GIO. Kids involved play for school and club - fixtures are through...

At the start of the 'comp' I shared Oldschool's opinion that there were too many Sydney teams to be competitive and that the talent was spread a little thin (especially when you factor in the impact that Harold Matts has on the composition of the teams). After seeing the development of the kids...

Credit where credit is due... this weekend's games have been far better supported. Physios present, ice, 1st aid etc... big improvement from a few weeks ago.

I totally agree on the need for professionalism in the program and this probably goes to my earlier comment about organisation, equipment and logistics. I'm sure everyone involved is doing their best in the circumstances but it seems thrown together at times. The centres have almost no gear...