A new cohort of teenagers from regional communities will receive game-changing mentorship from leading NRL staff and will interact with some of the biggest names in the game as part of a renewed police initiative.
For the second year, NSW Police Force has partnered with the National Rugby League and Youth Justice to bring fifteen 'at risk' teenagers from regional areas to Sydney to immerse them in an NRL environment.
The participants, aged 15 to 17, will have access to players while in Sydney and will be paired up with dedicated NRL community staff who will provide them with mentorship, unique experiences and opportunities to reach their potential and pursue their goals.
This year the initiative will have a cultural focus with young people selected from Armidale, Tamworth, Taree and Lake Macquarie. The group includes 11 boys and four girls.
The teenagers will be given a behind the scenes look at NRL preparations before they attend a first-grade game.
They will get mentoring sessions and engage with NSW Police youth officers.
Following the pilot launch in March 2024, three successful intakes have completed the program throughout the NRL season.
Capability, Performance and Youth Commander, Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein, said Project Pathfinder was an innovative program to connect young people from regional communities with sport and mentorship opportunities.
"Prevention and early intervention are crucial to setting young people on the right path to reach their full potential," he said.
"We are pleased to partner with the National Rugby League again to provide another cohort of young people with the opportunity to connect with NRL staff and learn about teamwork and leadership through sport.
"Tackling youth crime is not solely a police issue and it is through programs like this that we can all work together to steer young people away from offending and towards education and employment opportunities."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Project Pathfinder was an important initiative designed to turn the lives of at-risk youths around through mentorship and leadership.
"The Rugby League community makes a difference in people's lives," Mr Abdo said.
"This program is a life changer and I'm looking forward to seeing the many positive outcomes that come from it."
