Calling all Future Leaders!
An exciting new opportunity is arising at Canterbury Rugby for young rugby fanatics to get their hands dirty behind the scenes and be a part of keeping the province on top of its game.
The Canterbury Rugby Board is taking applications from those keen to put their ideas forward in our very first Youth Advisory Council.
This new council will have direct communication with the Board on matters of strategies and decisions related to Canterbury Rugby, from community level to FPC and NPC.
Capturing a wide age range between 15 and 30 years, it is the Boards hope to gain views from teenagers right through to those involved in high performance. This is an opportunity not just for players, but anyone who is highly interested and motivated to make a difference within the rugby community. Canterbury Rugby Board Member, Valentine Tauamiti says they’re looking for people who are “passionate about growing the game of rugby, youth voice, and helping shape a safer, more enjoyable appealing game for all”.
The Youth Council Advisory will have bi-monthly meetings with focus groups targeting specific needs and areas of growth within Canterbury Rugby, as well as governance, cultural intelligence and communication workshops. The council will have eight members, and will be guided by the Boards Emerging Director, Tana Luke. “This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for young voices to shape the future of rugby in Canterbury” said Luke, “We believe that by involving youth, we can ensure a vibrant and innovative path forward for the sport”.
The decision to form the new council came about after identifying “a gap in the knowledge and awareness of an age group that contributes a huge amount to our player numbers, and community” said Tauamiti, “young people know an awful lot about young people, and we would love to have their input and insights at the decision-making table”.
As well as a fantastic learning opportunity, council members will get exposure to the work that goes on behind the scenes of one of New Zealands leading sporting communities, and potential future roles like Emerging Director which Valentine comprised in 2023, before taking a seat with the Board Directors. Holding the position in 2021-2022, Guiliana Petronelli described her experience as a “great opportunity” as well as giving her an “understanding of what good governance looks like, sitting around that table with people who are immensely passionate about the game and the community”.
Think you or someone you know would make a great addition to the Youth Advisory Council? What are you waiting for?! Click here to apply for the Youth Advisory Board now! Or send it to someone you know would make a great contribution!
words by Hannah Yates