Wests Tigers may be in a bit of a form slump on the field, but the club is certainly kicking goals when it comes to its community engagement in Macarthur.
The club has developed its first ever community strategy, which centres on six key pillars.
They are focused on education, Indigenous, multiculturalism, women, healthy living and grassroots issues.
As part of the strategy for women, local organisation MWLP Linking Youth started working with Wests Tigers last year to run young women’s leadership programs in high schools.
Year 10 girls from Picton High School completed the program last week.
The girls learned what it takes to be a good leader and how to start implementing strategies in their current lives to make positive change.
They identified what sort of leaders they would like to become and heard from quite a few inspirational guest speakers, including Wests Tigers board chairwoman, Marina Go and club CEO Justin Pascoe.
“Never turn down an opportunity even if you don’t think you can do it,’’ Ms Go told around 80 Picton High students.
“Say yes and work out the rest later.
“Be resilient.
“If you find yourself in a bad job with a difficult boss, you can still learn.
“Embrace every opportunity,” Ms Go said.
Mr Pascoe told students that “leadership comes with responsibility’’.
“I want my people to be able to achieve what they want to achieve,’’ he said.
“Leadership is about being honest and respectful, building a network and being a good mentor.”
Feedback from the students was inspiring with one saying: “Leadership is like a tent and all poles are needed to support it.
“I’ve learnt how to set goals, never give up and that I can achieve anything.”
Any schools wishing to participate in future programs should contact MWLP Linking Youth.
Thanks South West Voice for helping us spread the word about these great leadership programs we are running in schools. It really is a wonderful opportunity for our young women.