Family, Respect, Effort
We all love the rich history of rugby league. In the Guildford district, that history can be traced back to just after the birth of the code in Australia.
Back in 1917, the historic Linnwood House was used as a truant school for boys. All those years ago, children at the school would be rewarded with playing time on fields that Guildford Owl’s McCredie Oval now stands on, and organised games of rugby league were part of that reward.
Times may have changed, but some things remain the same. Rugby league was regarded as a healthy outlet for the youth of the district over 100 years ago and today it’s importance to local communities remains.
Recently, The Cumberland Throw spoke to Clay White from Guildford Owls to learn more about how this famous club has continued to carry the torch for local working class youth. What we discovered was a community asset with core values designed to assist young players to be the best version of themselves.
From a purely rugby league perspective, the Guildford Owls club has a history of producing first grade players, for the Eels and for other clubs. Very familiar names such as John Mowbray, Bob “The Bear” O’Reilly, Len Stacker, Bill Richards, Brett Kenny, Jon and Tim Mannah, Jake Foster, Daniel Tupou, Manase Fainu, and Tevita Funa have all worn the Owls jersey in their journey to first grade.
The club has been a powerhouse at senior levels. Between 1990 and 2002 Guildford were regular finalists in the Metropolitan Cup, taking out the title in 1991. From 2013 to 2019, the Owls also featured prominently in the end of season games in the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup competitions.
In 2022, around 300 registered junior players will fill 20 Guildford Owls teams from under 6 to under 18. As Clay explained to us, it can get very busy on training nights!
The Owls are particularly proud of their girls program. Its success doesn’t just represent the growth in female rugby league, it also epitomises the collegiality of the Parramatta District junior clubs.
A couple of familiar faces rocked up on training night
There are players in the Owls two girls teams who have arrived at Guildford from clubs such as Mounties and Wenty. Behind the scenes, the clubs worked together to provide the opportunities for the girls to take the field this year.
Such work is typical of clubs who prioritise the kids, and it often happens on a weekly basis to solve common issues such as ground availability when fields are closed.
To quote Clay, “We’ve all got limited resources but we don’t want any kid to miss out.”
The success of teams such as the current under 16s boys and girls has seen a number of Guildford players in the Eels pathways systems. But, as Clay emphasised, such achievements are celebrated but they aren’t in themselves a goal.
“Kids making development squads and making it to the NRL is not really an objective of our culture, it’s more of a consequence.”
Ready to hit the footy field
The Owls emphasise the three Cs of success – confidence, character and capability. These provide the tools for success, making someone a better player, but more importantly making them a better person, a better student, a better worker, and eventually a better partner.
The Owls take a broader view of success and will celebrate the achievements of players at all levels, be they school, work or football. And the support network that the Owls provide is typical of all junior rugby league clubs, and something that was greatly missed when community sport was shut down due to Covid protocols.
Kids and their families become mates. Indeed they become part of the Owls family, and the friendship and community connection that extends beyond football is why it was so important for them all to get back into the footy in 2022.
Of course, none of that would be possible without their local heroes – the volunteers and sponsors who give up their time and money to support the kids.
Volunteers and financial support make this fun possible
Junior sport relies on the generosity of volunteers. They coach and manage teams, run canteens, set up fields, and form committees to ensure that kids have such opportunities, not just for the present, but also into the future. It can even mean re-organising work hours or dipping into their own pockets to solve problems.
Furthermore, these people take on important roles in the kids lives. They become educators, counsellors, and confidantes – literally an extension of their families.
Money is always tight at the junior level. To help make ends meet, the Owls receive a grant from the licensed club, which is a terrific venue alongside McCredie Oval and its world-famously tall goal posts. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in the area, especially on match days.
Sponsorship money from AVS Security, CNH Management, ATS Building Products, Riverbank Real Estate and JDB Carpentry and Construction is just as critical to the Owls. Such generous financial support allows the club to provide essential equipment for kids to train and to take the field.
The annual grant from Parramatta Leagues Club is also significant, as Clay explained.
“It offsets our expenses. I don’t want to underplay it as it can make the difference between kids playing or not… that money is greatly appreciated.”
Family – BBQ duties on presentation day
We tried to pin Clay down to a single thing about the Owls that gave him the greatest pride. His response focussed on the culture and core values of the club.
At the heart of it all is the value of family.
“When you join the Owls you become part of the family and we look after each other. There’ll be people who’ll look after you and look out for you.”
The other two core values emphasised by Guildford Owls exemplify how players are supported in their path to be better people. For this, I’ll refer to the Junior Owls website.
Respect – Respect is mandatory, we respect the game, we respect the officials, we respect each other and we respect ourselves.
Effort – To be an Owl you don’t have to be the best – but you are expected to try your best.
Happiness is found at McCredie Oval
The Cumberland Throw would like to encourage local rugby league supporters to either get involved with the club or to visit McCredie Oval during the season to check out what the Owls have to offer.
They try to make every home game an event, whether it involves a special day such as Mothers Day or a cultural celebration like Eid. The canteen serves up a very popular chips and gravy and you can watch the footy from the perimeter seats or the grassy hills.
Anyone that would like to be involved as a player, a volunteer or a sponsor, can contact the Owls via their website – guildfordowlsjrlfc.com.au or through the junior and minis Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The club is also looking to update their history and would love to hear from former players and volunteers.
TCT’s full interview with Clay White will be available in The Tip Sheet podcast next week.
Eels forever!
Sixties
I’m sure there are more first grade/NRL players who have played for Guildford. Hopefully some of our readers might have names that they can add.
The Bear’s brother, Mark O’Reilly ran around in the Maroon and Gold. Not sure if he played any 1st grade for the Eels, but pretty sure he played lower grades. A lot of quality footballers from the juniors preferred to play local A Grade.
I remember watching Mark in the lower grades, cheers BDon
Thanks Sixties.. We are serious about connecting with past players and coaches. We have a group called the “Wise Owls” any ex player coach or volunteer is welcome to join. Please get on our website and ‘Contact Us’ for details. Or send me an email. Clay.
You’re welcome Clay. I’ll mention that to any potential past player too.