Clydesdales issue ‘call to arms’ in bid to save development programs

A region famed for producing the likes of Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston has issued a desperate plea to help save its famed junior pathways programs.

North Queensland Cowboys Johnathan Thurston breaks away from the Rabbitohs defence during a Round 5 NRL in 2017. Thurston is considered among the Darling Downs and South West Queensland’s best ever league players.

The Western Clydesdales have issued a desperate plea to raise an urgent $150,00 to save their pathways programs.

The club claims its vital development programs are under threat meaning Queensland Rugby League faces the real prospect of missing out on the next Arthur Beetson or Darren Lockyer.

Serving the Darling Downs and South West Queensland regions which have produced NRL, State of Origin and Australian league legends – the Western Clydesdales have issued the desperate call to arms.

Clydesdales CEO Shane Sullivan said the club needed funding support to continue its various pathways programs which support and develop hundreds of junior league players every year.

Eager to support junior players, the Hostplus Cup club is calling on past players and the wider Queensland community to support their cause.

“This isn’t just about money. It’s about belief,” Sullivan said.

“It’s about giving a 14-year-old from Roma or Goondiwindi or Quilpie the same chance you had to dream, to grow, to become something more.

“There was a time you (past players) pulled on the Clydesdales jersey with pride – not just for the game, but for what it meant.

Hayley Wainwright in action for the Western Clydesdales Harvey Norman under-17s against Wide Bay Bulls earlier this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“The mateship. The opportunity. The pride of representing our region.

“You didn’t just play footy. You carried a legacy.

“Today, that legacy stands at a crossroads.

“Our club has worked tirelessly to rebuild the Clydesdales, brick by brick, creating real opportunities for boys and girls across the Darling Downs and South-West Queensland.

“Our RISE program, academies, school clinics and representative teams now serve hundreds of kids each year.

“But we’ve hit a wall.

“Despite the progress, we are facing a harsh truth: without urgent support, we won’t have the funds to sustain the pathways we’ve built.”

Leroy Malone on the move for City against Country during a Western Clydesdales supported trial game earlier this year. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Clydesdales hope to raise $150,000 to maintain and grow its various programs beyond this year.

Working with schools and league associations the Clydesdales conduct clinics and offer programs aimed at supporting players from the grassroots level right through to elite academy stars.

Clydesdales players, coaches and officials visit remote regional towns and schools to conduct clinics and assess players.

“Without support, we will be forced to scale back our programs,” Sullivan said.

“That means fewer training programs.

“Fewer representative opportunities.

“Fewer kids getting the support, coaching and care they deserve. But with your help, we can grow.

“We can build more inclusive programs, reach more towns and help more young players, boys and girls.”