This is a fantastic opportunity for young players from Far North Queensland to play top level football from their home town with players and most importantly mates they have grown up playing football with.

This opportunity has never before been available and it will provide exposure to more professional coaching, training, weights, recovery and other techniques crucial to progressing to the elite level of Rugby League as a player, coach, manager, trainer, administrator and so on.

It is common knowledge that that city kids (Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney) develop faster once they reach the 14 – 18 age bracket and in fact this is when the country kids start to fade away unless they have tireless determination, quality coaching and often parents with enough resources to “chase the dream. This drop off has been down to a number of factors including the lack of infrastructure in country areas; the lack of quality coaching in line with up to date techniques and methods; the lack of body development; travelling distances between towns and the lack of opportunity.

We feel nearly all these issues can and will become non existent. This competition if conducted professionally by all franchises will narrow the gap that currently exists between the city slickers and country Queensland. The professionalism with which the Northern Pride has structured the Academy will provide the best opportunity for participants to develop and progress as Rugby League players. This has been made possible mainly through the efforts of the Northern Pride and the generous support of the Cairns District Rugby League (CDRL). The Northern Pride would like to formally acknowledge and express our gratitude to the CDRL for the opportunity they have made possible for all participants.

Sponsors of the Northern Pride Academy in 2010 include Michael Aw The Good Guys, Leightonmac Plumbers, GATA Plastering and Pacific Coaches.

“Go the Pride”