Outing to the football

Umina Beach Rugby League Football Club hosted several residents from the Peninsula Retirement Village at their clubhouse on Sunday, June 5, to watch some senior football.

The outing was organized by St Edwards College student Finian Neaves as a community service project as part of a youth leadership program.

The outing took six weeks to organise.

Finian is sponsored by Gosford RSL in the ClubsNSW Max Potential Program, which aims to help develop young leaders within the community.

"Being a part of the program, I am supplied with a mentor who helps me achieve personal success," Finian said.

"I am required to complete a community service project and thought this to be a great way to do so.

"I met the residents at Peninsula Village in the morning, where they were all ready and excited to go, dressed in club shirts and hats that the club provided.

"After an exciting bus trip down the road to Umina's home ground, the residents made their way to the clubhouse where they were supplied with an excellent view of the football match," he said.

The day proved a special occasion for the football club as it marked the return of first grade coach Mr Marc Matthews after spending a number of years in retirement.

"Talking to the residents, I discovered that many of them are from the local area and they really enjoyed spending a day at the football," said Mr Neaves.

"Every one of the residents was very thankful for the generosity shown by the Umina RLFC and was hopeful that an outing like this would be organised again," he said.

Online submission, 11 Jun 2011 Finian Neaves, St Edwards College