Mittagong Lions boys will be guided to grow into mature men through a newly launched program.

The club’s Junior Pathways Program was launched on March 24, along with the new jerseys and sponsors.

Players Kai (15) and Nick (16) both experienced the prelude to the program, training with the seniors last year.

Both agreed training and playing with the seniors benefitted their game.

“There’s more maturity, not just in how they play but also how they speak and present themselves,” Nick said.

“You’re not playing with little boys anymore.”

Nick and Kai are the 2017 Junior Pathways Program ambassadors, and will guide younger players through the experience.

Mittagong Lions president Tim Murphy said the program would help the players transition from junior to senior system.

“They will be given guidance wth nutrition, exercise, strength and conditioning, drug and alcohol education, and social status outside the game,” he said.

“It’s a safety net to give them the heads up on what’s in store for when they reach senior level.

“It’s designed to assist young players to reach their full potential on and off the field.”

The club’s new jerseys were also unveiled on the night, and each new sponsor was given one as a thank you.

The Mittagong Lions 2017 sponsors are Highland Electronics, Highlands Energy, Aussie Home Loans, Align Construction and Engineering, and the Telstra Mittagong Store.