Sky Blues spreading confidence
Building personal confidence was one of the best outcomes from the ‘Game Changer’ workshops being run in the NSW school holidays by Westpac NSW Sky Blues Millie Elliott and Olivia Kernick.
The Blues and Sydney Roosters teammates hosted 25 children from primary to high-school age at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park today (Tuesday 16 July).
Every participant took home a NSW Rugby League ball after three hours divided between class room activities and then touch football, kicking and passing sessions out on the training field.
“My favourite thing about all this is seeing the smiles on their faces, whether they were six years-old or 16. Everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves,” Kernick told nswrl.com.au
“It’s so good to see when we do the theory side of things, then they go out on the field and practise a lot of what they wrote down in their booklets like being caring and more confident.
“The biggest thing is building their confidence to speak up in the room or out on the field.
“This is such a good program that the kids get so much out of. These are great days for them.”
Elliott set up the ‘Game Changer’ programs under her Trainer Group Foundation to help children of all abilities learn some personal development and fitness skills.
Elliott is about to stage five ‘Game Changer’ programs for adults with disabilities that will also be held at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence on 30 July, 6 August, 13 August, 20 August, and 27 August, from 10am-12pm.
“It is so special to see that (confidence) develop throughout our session,” Elliott said.
“Even the people who have come to ‘Game Changer’ clinics before, you see them come with greater confidence and belief in themselves.
“It’s very rewarding for us but also for their family members and carers as well.”
It was particularly heartening for Elliott and Kernick, who are still getting over the 22-6 loss to Queensland in the Ampol Women’s State of Origin decider in Townsville on 27 June.
“At the end of the day footy is footy and there is so much more to life,” Elliott said.
“It’s so good to do these programs and see how much of a difference groups of people can make in a community.
“But they definitely brought it up with us though: ‘You definitely lost Game Three didn’t you?’ "