North Burleigh’s eight year nippers masterplan has paid off at the Gold Coast City Titles
When North Burleigh SLSC took out the Gold Coast City Titles overall points score on the weekend, it was the first tangible sign of success for a nippers masterplan hatched eight years ago.
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WHEN North Burleigh SLSC took out the Gold Coast City Titles overall points score at Burleigh Heads on the weekend, it was the first tangible sign of success for a nippers masterplan hatched eight years ago.
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When North Burleigh SLSC legend and now senior board coach Michael Murray first enrolled his son Jai at nippers, the club had around 200 fellow athletes enrolled.
“At that point, the club was at a certain level in the state and we had low numbers and participation,” Murray said.
“We (Murray and a group of fellow parents) put in a place a whole range of things and formed a 10 year plan to be a state championship winning club.”
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Eight years into the plan, the club boasts nearly 600 nippers and now, a City Title win.
“A few years ago, we were outside the top 30 in the state,” Murray said.
“We’ve managed to turn that around and there’s no reason why that can’t happen at senior level.
“We’ve taken the long road approach and now our whole club can now celebrate this win.”
North Burleigh finished in first with a final tally of 456 points, followed by Currumbin on 345 and Kurrawa on 229.
For club officials, the win reaffirms the club’s core ethos: success is a by-product of good culture.
“It was very exciting for us and our first big win as a club,” said President Gerard Sangston.
“We have a big focus on team events and team culture.
“The kids love it and being out there together so for them to see their names up there as the top club, it’s a great recognition and reward.”