On Wednesday 16 September, the KARI Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Opportunity Hub joined Sydney Catholic Schools for the 2026 First Nations U14 All Stars training day at the NSW Centre of Excellence. The program brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Sydney Catholic Schools together through Rugby League, Culture and community connection, while creating opportunities to strengthen pride in identity and build leadership.
Before the cultural rotations began, the students were welcomed with a talk and didgeridoo performance, encouraging them to reflect on the people in their lives who support, encourage and stand beside them. It was a meaningful way to begin the day, setting the tone around connection, community and the importance of strong support networks.
It was a very sunny, but windy day out on the field, with students rotating through a range of cultural activities across the venue. Inside the Blues Gym, the young people worked together on a shared artwork, each taking a turn to add their own personal touch. Outside, students rotated through hands-on cultural activities including spear throwing with a woomera, boomerang throwing and fire making, with support from KARI GWS Opportunity Hub staff. The day finished with a Rugby League training session, bringing everyone together to build skills, teamwork and connection ahead of Game Day. By combining Culture and sport, the program encourages young people to stay active and supports positive health and wellbeing.
The team will come together again for Game Day on Wednesday 23 September at Redfern Oval, where they’ll take to the field for the U14 First Nations All Stars exhibition match.
The KARI GWS Opportunity Hub is proud to partner with Sydney Catholic Schools in creating opportunities that strengthen cultural identity, leadership and connection for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The KARI Greater Western Sydney Opportunity Hub is funded by the NSW Government
