The Mittagong Lions launched their Pathways Program, helping their younger players take the next step on and off the field. 

Spokespersons for financial services group and sponsor of the Mittagong Lions Junior Rugby League, Neil Shaw and Josh Bailey from Aussie were in attendance and enjoying the festivities. 

Related: Moss Vale Dragons and Mittagong Lions face off in memory for a fallen champion

Read: Mittagong Cricket Club bag first premiership in over half a decade

Read More: Junior cricket grand final results

These Pathway Programs are enhancing the lives of the players and forming incredibly strong bonds within the club.

"The junior ranks are now entrenched in the senior system and are reaping the benefits of this solid foundation," Mittagong Lions Junior Rugby League president, Tim Murphy said.

"The bond between junior and senior has never been stronger. That was evident at last year's grand finals. 

"Both clubs turned up in droves to support each other. We're a broader family with younger and older siblings and we must continue to support each other to reach our goals."

Murphy continued with an impassioned speech on how the Lions, as a club, had grown and continued to make leaps and bounds to ensure a positive future for its players. 

"As the juniors grow at a rapid rate, player numbers are increasing at all age groups," he said.

"With the addition of the girls league tag, the amount of females representing the club is staggering. All up, total registrations with the club are upwards of 240 players.

"In the future, we must ensure there are appropriate mechanisms in place to help these junior sports people make educated decisions in the next few steps of their young lives. 

"Our vision for the pathways is clear, any player who participates in the program will be better prepared to make informed decisions relating to their life on and off the field, while transferring from the junior to the senior system. 

"The journey towards adulthood has with it expectations, ramifications and responsibilities. Having a structured support system in place will make that easier."

With the club having so much to look forward to in the future, their trophy collection from years past garnered some respect and admiration.

"Trophies don't gather dust," Murphy said.

"They represent the people who represented the club before us."

Enjoying more than 100 years of successfully taking the field, Mittagong was a founding member of the Berrima District Rugby League in 1914. Their original colours were blue and gold. In 1932 they changed to gold and became the colours we see to this day. 

First grade coach, Dan Beardshaw couldn't contain his pride for the club and his players. 

"I've been at the club (Mittagong Lions) for three years now," Beardshaw said. 

"With each year that passes, I grow more and more proud to be apart of the club." 

The Moss Vale Dragons and Mittagong Lions will play for "The Timothy Moule Shield" in the first round of the Group 6 competition beginning April 7, at the Lions' home ground.

Game times for this Sunday's "Timothy Moule Shield" round.