Brisbane Broncos players will be in Dalby tomorrow to inspire 90 teenagers about their futures.
Under its partnership with Arrow Energy, the Broncos will bring their “Be A Champion” program to two of Arrow’s other partners – Dalby State High School and PCYC Dalby – and discuss education and career choices.
“Playing top-level football is a short-lived career, which is why the Broncos always help their players plan their futures after the football has finished,” Arrow’s Vice President of Community and Sustainable Development Leisa Elder said.
“The players know the importance of having a big picture view of life, and about planning it as thoroughly as their next match.
“They’ll be coming to Dalby with some good advice about careers, study and qualifications and leading healthy and active lifestyles.”
The players will speak about their personal experiences in school and football with Year 10, 11, and 12 students at the school, and students from the Arrow-PCYC Ignition program at PCYC.
In six sessions of 15 students apiece, they’ll discuss goal-setting, life after football and the importance of positive career choices.
The Broncos contingent will include:
- Jharal Yow Yeh, former Broncos, State of Origin, Australian and Indigenous All Stars player
- Michael Hancock, Broncos Development Officer and former Queensland and Australian player
- Paul Dyer, Broncos Development Officer.
Dalby PCYC Branch Manager Sergeant Mick Hughes said face to face contact with top-flight sportsmen had a huge influence on high school students.
“Having NRL players come here is a huge boost for the kids; these are the sporting heroes they watch on television,” Sergeant Hughes said.
“Having them physically here and interacting shows the kids they’re real and someone they can connect to. They really listen to anything these players have to say.”
Dalby High Acting Deputy Principal Jason Caruso said the visit would back the school’s own message to its pupils.
“The Broncos Be A Champion visit reinforces our message for students to make positive choices for study and work,” Mr Caruso said.
“As a school we regularly engage students with members of the local and wider community to provide examples of how goal setting and hard work can result in students achieving their potential in life, wherever their interests lie.
“The Be A Champion program is another example of our focus on ‘every day counts’.”
Arrow’s partnerships with the Broncos, PCYC and school are made under its Brighter Futures community investment program, which exists to enhance the quality of life in the communities in which Arrow operates.