THE Quirindi Lions have received a major boost ahead of the 2020 Central North season thanks to the state government.
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The club will now boast state-of-the-art lighting at its ground, thanks to grant funding to the tune of $70,500.
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen was on hand to announce the funding on Saturday, as the club hosted a women's training clinic with some of Australia's best coaches.
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Lions women's sevens coach Nick Rees said than 60 players from around the region and metropolitan NSW travelled to the club for some expert coaching ahead of the new season.
"After our Toothys Tens competition, we stayed in touch with the Gordon Women's rugby team and decided to undertake a development coaching camp," Rees said.
"Gordons' coaches are NRC representative trained and they are training the Quirindi Lions coaches as well as all the players, it's an amazing opportunity."
Gordon women's rugby coach, Josh Date, said it was his first time to Quirindi and was amazed at the natural environment and strong sports culture of the area.
"It's obvious the Quirindi Lions take a lot of pride in themselves, teams, supporters and club house, and are looking to grow which is great," Date said.
"The biggest thing I and my fellow coaches, like Nick Rees, look to improve in their players is self-empowerment and belief in themselves.
"Through drills and skills and the game, we are pushing the women's players out of their comfort zone and encouraging then to think about how they work together."
As well as players from Gordon and Quirindi, the event also included players from Pirates, Magpies, Central North and Quirindi High School teams.
"The atmosphere was positive and it's all about improving skills and fun interaction and connection with every single player," Rees said.
"It's also about building friendships as Quirindi Lions women's and Gordon are forging a strong bond and we see them as a sister-club.
"This is an great opportunity for our country players, as they are mingling, training and playing with girls from the city, who play to an extremely high standard and have great skills."
