The annual Ross Kelly Cup Rugby League Carnival presented by Clontarf Foundation was a big hit with 56 NSW schools competing at Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.
Regional Manager NSW Central Coast Rhys Matsen said that earlier this month the fields at Tuggerah saw more than 700 boys across NSW in Years 9 and 10 participate in the program, making it the largest Clontarf sporting event in the country.
“The carnival has been going for 10 years and hosted for the second time at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex,” Matsen said.
“It has grown exponentially since its inception in 2013 when it featured just 100 boys.
“The Ross Kelly Cup stands as a significant highlight of the Clontarf calendar, embodying the values of commitment, sportsmanship and teamwork that Clontarf works to instil in its participants.
“The program supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to improve their self-esteem and confidence which assists them to participate in education, employment, excursions, camps, and a wide variety of activities relating to wellbeing, leadership and personal development and sports skills.”
Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said Clontarf created a safe environment of trust and support to allow opportunity for young males to participate in sport.
“Earlier this year the foundation partnered with Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi campuses), Wadalba Community School and Wyong High School,” he said.
“The event brought our local schools together sharing a day of fun and commitment whether it was playing football or helping out on the day.”
The Mount Austin Academy from Wagga Wagga came out victorious over Dubbo South from Dubbo in the grand final.