New Partnership to Encourage & Support Young Players

New Partnership to Encourage & Support Young Players

Auckland, New Zealand, February 11, 2013 - When thousands of young rugby league players run out this winter, not only will they enjoy all the benefits of playing a team sport but they’ll also be eligible for a special treat. This year New Zealand Rugby League have partnered with iconic NZ restaurant chain Lone Star to offer one player in every game played in the Mini & Mod grades (5 – 12 years) each weekend special recognition as the ‘Star of the Game*’.

Trina Tamati, NZRL’s Marketing & Sponsorship Manager said ”We are really pleased to be a part of this is generous initiative by Lone Star. Anything which encourages and supports our young people so that they get out and get involved in sport is a real positive and being able to acknowledge that effort and commitment in this way is really exciting. “

Cameron Tweedie of Lone Star agrees, ”It’s really important that young people receive all the encouragement we can give them to do something positive with their time. At Lone Star we are all about being positive in everything we do, from the quality of our food and service to our recognition of special events. Celebrating the efforts of Kiwi kids is a privilege and we look forward to seeing these young stars in our restaurants once the season is underway.”

With ever increasing participant numbers at junior level, the number of Mini & Mod games being played each weekend has risen significantly in the past three years, meaning as many as 20,000 stars may be acknowledged during the junior season.

*The ‘Star of the Game’ will receive a Kiwi Kids meal, dessert & first drink free at any of the 21 Lone Star restaurants around NZ. Terms & Conditions apply. Star of the Game must be accompanied by an adult who is dining, not valid with any other promotions and expires Dec 31, 2013.

About Lone Star Restaurants:

Lone Star opened its door at 26 Manchester St on September 13, 1988 determined to create a different dining experience for the people of Christchurch. There are now 20 Lone Star’s throughout New Zealand. There were 21, but unfortunately the very first Lone Star from Manchester Street was decimated in the Christchurch earthquake of September 4, 2010, and has since been demolished, much to the sadness of the people from the Garden City. But the Christchurch Lone Star will come again, bigger and better – every cloud has a silver lining.

About Mini-Mod Rugby League:

The Mini-Mod programme is unashamedly about young players, firstly their interests and needs as a child – then, their development and preparation for the International Law game and its demands. In this way children can develop a love of the game. Mini-Mod has two strands.

• Mini is an introductory phase that emphasises a positive experience through fun and enjoyment, participation, a safe playing environment and the development of basic movement skills.

• Mod, still emphasising all those aspects mentioned above, focuses on technical skills. New Zealand Rugby League has taken great care to ensure youngsters experience their football in a controlled way that reflects their needs.

• Mini-Mod games are designed so that the player’s development can be matched gradually, progressively and sequentially to the complexities and demands of the adult game.

All of this, a child oriented philosophy, is conditioning bright and happy children to be drawn to Rugby League through rewarding and satisfying experiences.

ENDS

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