At the Bowral Bowling Club, history has been made with the naming of a new junior rugby league club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The merger of Bowral, Moss Vale and Robertson's junior squad now has a new title which was voted on by all in attendance.
Names were narrowed down to three choices: Highlands Thunder, Highlands Bulls and the Highlands Storm.
With two options receiving zero votes and one unanimously being voted in, the new club will play as the Highlands Storm.
The teams colours will be along the lines of NRL's Melbourne Storm (White, Purple, Navy Blue and Gold).
Meeting Chair Matt Burke spoke at length about the benefits the new club will bring to Rugby League in the Southern Highlands; "Children need to be playing football in their correct grade."
"Our focus will be on creating a family friendly environment where kids get to play in their correct age division," he said.
"We could have continued as we have been, and we would have continued the success of this year and previous years as individual clubs. But together we are much stronger."
Fellow organiser Chris Shea thanked the Moss Vale, Robertson and Bowral Members for their courage in forging ahead with the new club.
Addressing the meeting Shea said, "Change is hard, especially when dealing with clubs that have heritage that is over 100 years old."
"But, for the development of rugby league in the Highlands the right decision has been made and you should all be very proud of this achievement," he said.
"The founding clubs' history now becomes part of the new clubs' history."
Nominations for the five person board of the club will conclude on Wednesday September 18, to be voted upon at the AGM meeting on October 3, 2019.
Positions available are:
- Director - Chairman (President)
- Director - Deputy Chairman (Vice President)
- Director - Executive Officer (Secretary)
- Director of Finance (Treasurer)
- Director of Football Operations
Non Executive positions available will be:
- Registrar
- Publicity and Promotion Officer
- Sponsor and Fundraising Officer Head Coach
- Coaching and Development Officer
- Head Sports Trainer
- Training/ Game Day Coordinator
- Canteen Coordinator
- Apparel Coordinator
Life members of Bowral, Moss Vale and Robertson will immediately be adopted as life members of the Highlands Storm.
Juniors playing their final year with the team can sign with any senior team they desire once their playing time is finished with the Storm.
Each team involved with the merger will be on a three year contract with a two year extension
Each club will also provide $5000 each to begin this new venture, however sponsorship interest has already been very strong and the Highlands Storm is sure to be a brand that attracts plenty of attention.
For updates within the club like their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Southern-Highlands-Junior-Rugby-League-Club-103440941048904/
For further information please contact the club directly at shjrlc20@gmail.com.