We have teams in all age-groups, from Under 13 through to Open. Boys who are selected for the Development Programme undertake 5 sessions per week (3 early morning sessions and two after school) that focus on the physical development (weight sessions and conditioning) as well as their skills and tactical development. These sessions are run throughout the year except for exam periods where we have time off for the students to focus on their academic workload.
Our Open and under 15 teams compete in the Cowboys Challenge each year, the Opens attend the Confraternity Carnival in June/July and the National Schoolboy Competition later in the year. Our boys also undertake development tours to other major centres such as Sydney. This is imperative to players' development as they not only play with quality players but play against quality competition, thus fast-tracking their development.
Ignatius Park is recognised as an important development base for players wishing to continue their sporting careers beyond school. Over the last three years alone we have had a considerable number of our players making Australian and Queensland sides at the Open and Under 15 level, as well as players going straight into NRL systems as part of the National Youth Competition (U20s). In 2010 we had had three boys make their NRL first grade debuts, while several others have since been signed with various NRL clubs. We also have 10 boys presently in the Under 20s squad at the North Queensland Cowboys. We stand by our record in developing boys to achieve their potential as Rugby League players, but above all, to develop as responsible young men.
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