The Mittagong Lions have taken on this attitude with their teenage players. 

Under the new Junior Pathways Program, under-16s players will be introduced to tough topics like binge drinking and sex education. 

Having the information delivered by men in the same field of interest might make the boys relate to it more than they would if it came from their parents, teachers or a puppet giraffe (Happy Harold). 

It’s no secret that recreational drug use is prominent in teenage culture in the twenty-first century and the pathway program will aim to educate teenagers about the dangers of this. 

Drug use is a serious issue within any sporting code and it could make or break a career. 

The most recent drug figures from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey of Australians aged 12-17 years showed that about one in six (14.8 per cent) had tried cannabis and 2.7 per cent had tried ecstasy. 

Tackling the issue of drug use at a grass-roots level could help to lower these figures for teenagers. 

A healthy and balanced diet is also necessary not just for sparing rugby players, but for all teenage boys.

The Lions will work with professionals at the Highlands Health Club to educate the boys about healthy eating. 

All of the skills and information that players learn under this program will be able to help them for years to come, setting up a great foundation for healthy living. 

The introduction of the program will better the players both on the field and in their day-to-day lives.

Young players will have the chance to see how senior players train for games and will also spend sessions with senior coach Dan Beardshaw. 

Spending time with the seniors will not only teach the young players about the level of skill needed to play in the first grade competition, but it will also teach young players about respectful play and good sportsmanship. 

By introducing a program that does not focus solely on rugby league, young players will be fast-tracked into sporting and social maturity. 

I can’t wait to see the results of the program and hope other Highlands sporting groups follow suit.