I would like to now advise that to date the Hurricanes Academy program for 2011-12 has been an unbelievable success! 

Training started in late September, but took a 2 week hiatus in mid/late October, due to our Academy coach and Hurricanes General Manager Roy Calvert being selected in the Jamaican national rugby league side which competed at the World Cup Qualifiers in the USA (unfortunately USA beat Jamaica in these qualifiers, so Jamaica miss out on the 2013 World Cup), but upon Roy’s return, the squad has been hard back into things every Saturday at GC Foster College for the past 5-6 weeks. During these sessions players have been continually improving their personal skills and also their body shapes due to the intense training regimes in which they have been exposed to. The development has been extremely rapid and coach Calvert is very proud of the attendance, application and progression of the young Academy players. 

During this time, the players have also received their training apparel. Issues such as arriving and participating in the Academy program in the correct apparel promote professionalism and this would not be possible without the support of the players Player Partner, so for that we are certainly appreciative. For a number of these players, who hail from inner city communities, receiving new apparel like this is a huge morale booster and the reports coming back from the staff and teachers of the schools the players attend has reflected this. Additionally, the players are all very appreciative of such donations. 

The last weekend of December the players had a well earned lunch together to finish off the calendar year and everyone had a great time. Players and staff got the opportunity to reflect upon what they have achieved so far and think forward to the opportunities and possibilities that exist for the following 5 months of the program. 

Moving forward, the players have been asked to complete their letter to their Player Partner by the first session back in early January and you will also receive a comprehensive Player Profile booklet in the new year.  We also have the supporters hats now and will send to you at the same time. 

Overall, the Hurricanes Academy is providing a wonderful opportunity for players to not only learn more about their physical abilities as a rugby league player, but also obtaining greater results in the classroom as a result of added motivation and general health. As owner of the Hurricanes Rugby League, I can not stress how much of a difference your contribution is making in the lives of these young players and I can assure you of our commitment to the long term success of this program and look forward to far greater communication with you over the next 6 months. 

Hope you had a great Christmas and are ready for a great 2012!!!!!!