The Coal Miners Cup began in 1998 to bring together kids from small country schools in the North West region and teach them the values of teamwork and sportsmanship through rugby league.
From its humble beginnings when only a few teams participated, to now more than three hundred kids descending on Gunnedah’s Longmuir Playing Fields each year, the annual event has left a lasting impression on many people.
One of those is Wade Ryan, an Australian boxing champion and underground coal miner at Whitehaven’s Narrabri Mine. Wade played in the very first competition and this year returned as the day’s special guest.
“I played in the first comp back when I was in primary school in 1998. It was a good little comp. At least from what I remember, it was so long ago,” laughs Wade.
“It was so cool being able to go back and talk to the kids and watch them having a great time running around on the same ground I did all those years ago.
“There were maybe four or five teams when I played so it is amazing to see how far it has come along. It just keeps growing and now that I’m older I can see and appreciate the amount of work that goes into it and how many people who put their hands up to help.”
The Cup provides the opportunity for kids to play who wouldn’t otherwise be able to. Smaller schools that may only have a dozen students join composite teams, allowing them to participate in a competition for the first time while also encouraging new friendships.
Over the years the winners have come from Gunnedah South, Gunnedah Public, St Xaviers, Boggabri Public and as far away as Holy Cross Helensburgh. This year twenty teams competed from across the region with Narrabri West taking home the trophy.
Event Organiser Ross Whittaker congratulated all the teams, while emphasising the most important thing at the end of the day is not winning but having fun.
“It’s about teaching them that the game is all about teamwork, sportsmanship and above all having fun. A lot of these kids don’t have any experience playing rugby league, so we show them valuable skills they can build on. This year all our referees were also young locals learning the art.”
Wade added that what they learn has benefits that go way beyond the field.
“Even for my boxing career so many things I picked up playing footy apply. Good teamwork and good communication. In footy you rely on each other and in boxing I am surrounded by a team which I rely on. It’s about everyone working together to achieve a goal.”
Ross said that day would not be possible without the support of its sponsors, the Mining and Energy Union, Unity Bank and Team Super.
Wade pointed out it would also not be possible without Ross.
“Ross has been a huge part of my own boxing career, from a mentor to a sponsor to someone I really count as a good mate,” said Wade.
“I’ve known him since I was a young kid and the amount of work he does behind the scenes that goes unrecognised is a real credit to him. So many people are appreciative of the things he has done and continues to do.
“This Cup would not be what it is without him.”
