Raymond Terrace Junior Rugby League Club has its first new president in more than a decade with former coach John Wooderson taking over the top job from the perennial Jamie Douglas.
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The changeover is expected to bring a breath of new and fresh ideas for one of the strongest junior league clubs across the Hunter.
"I decided to put my hand up for the position of president for two reasons: firstly, I wanted to make a difference at Raymond Terrace and, secondly, I want to bring new opportunities to the hundreds of players and families involved with the Roosters," said Wooderson, who has held the positions of coach, coaching coordinator and vice-president at the club over the past 11 years.
"There is so much potential here and the number of junior players, particularly among the females, is on the increase. Last year (2019) we had 558 registered players, making up 28 teams and this season we are hoping to at least match those numbers if not increase them."
Wooderson said that the female participation had seen strong growth and development over the past couple of years, forming one of the largest in the region if not the state.
"In 2019 we had four girls teams - under 16s, under 14s, under 12s and under 11s. We had so many players for the under 12 and 11 divisions that we were able to field all girls teams playing in a mixed and all boys comp. What's more, both these teams made the semi-finals."
Wooderson says that utilising highly trained specialists and former NRL players was one of the many new initiatives introduced to the club, which is paying dividends and attracting new players to the club.
"We have been very proactive in the coaching area, with former NRL player Tim Browne and the Rugby League Academy on board. We have also engaged a goal kicking coach, Mike Provis.
"Another area the club is focusing on this season is mental health. We have had [former Knights star] Kurt Gidley talking to our 16 and 17 years old players and the club has this year appointed a mental health officer."
Wooderson said that the club's decision at the start of last season to align itself with the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs senior squad was a positive move and had the full support of the Newcastle Rugby League. "It is important that our junior players with aspirations to play at a higher level are provided with a clear pathway from the junior to senior ranks."
"This is a mutual partnership and one which I believe will have many benefits for Raymond Terrace in future years. The Terrace has produced a number of first grade NRL players over the years and we aspire to have more boys and girls following in those footsteps."
Wooderston is a firm believer that team sport can make a difference to people's lives by instilling a new found confidence and responsibility in young people.
"Rugby league has a strong tradition in Raymond Terrace. It also provides an outlet for young boys and girls and the more we can get local families involved with the sport the better ... if the kids are at training than they are not roaming the streets."
Wooderson said that he was grateful to the many Terrace businesses who had pledged their support to the Roosters. "Without these wonderful sponsors we could not exist," he said.
Raymond Terrace Roosters will be holding a series of coaching sessions for players under 7 to under 15 at Lakeside Oval on Sundays, January 19, February 16 and March 1.
The majority of teams are expected begin training at the club's home ground, Lakeside Oval, withing the next few weeks and anyone wanting more information go to pres.rtjrlfc@gmail.com.
