The inaugural Perth Bears Tracks Academy for rising rugby league talent in Western Australia has been launched in a historic moment for the code in the State.
The Tracks Academy is the first step for West Australian players aged 14-17 to enter the Perth Bears pathways system.
A selection panel comprising of representatives from NRL WA and the Perth Bears identified elite talent from around the State, including AFL and Rugby Union players to attend this invitation-only program.
Further opportunities will be open for aspiring athletes to be selected for future Tracks Academies throughout the year in WA as well as North Sydney and Brisbane.
The Academy was launched at the WA Institute of Sport with WA Premier Roger Cook in attendance.
The inaugural two-week Academy was led by Perth Bears Elite Pathways Manager Ian Millward alongside Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga and Assistant Coach Ben Gardner.
"It's an historic day for the Perth Bears but also for the entire rugby league community," Millward said.
"Our objective is to unearth a new generation of players that aspire to play for the Perth Bears.
"I've been blown away by the talent on show and believe the game has a very bright future in Western Australia.
"We will have more Academies in WA, North Sydney and Brisbane Tigers later this year."
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the Academy was an important milestone for the club's goal of growing the game of rugby league in WA.
"We have already seen participation skyrocket across the State with growth in the crucial 13-15-year-old age group rise 23% year on year on the back of the Perth Bears announcement," he said.
"The Tracks Academy is about helping the best of the young talent in Western Australia have the opportunity to play professionally.
"This first Academy is just the beginning and we can't wait to significantly expand our Tracks program in the years to come."
