Penrith Panthers has continued its strong partnership with Coreen School in Blacktown with a group of players making a meaningful difference in the community.
26 Panthers lower grade players, from the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg competitions, have worked as School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) at the Coreen School since 2019 when an informal partnership was established between the club and the school.
Coreen School is a School for Specific Purposes that caters for students who present with an emotional disturbance and behaviour disorder. Students may also have additional learning needs such as autism and a mild intellectual disability.
Panthers players have the opportunity to gain employment and work practically with the students, in time away from their rugby league commitments.
Panthers partnership with Coreen School
Panthers Wellbeing and Education Manager Kevin Kingston said the important partnership provided meaningful work for the younger players at the club.
“It’s a perfect partnership,” Mr Kingston said. “The school system works well with their football. It keeps them grounded.
“We have a ‘no work, no study, no play’ philosophy at the club. The players need to have two ‘Plan As’. They must do some sort of work outside football to give back to the local community and look after the next generation.”
Coreen School principal Tim Gardner said supplementary funding the school had received following a Staffing Methodology Review led to the partnership, which was reaping mutually benefitting rewards for both students and players.
“One of our former SLSOs was recent State of Origin star Matt Burton and we currently have nine players on temporary or casual employment who provide additional support to our students and teachers within the classroom, in the playground and on excursions outside the school,” Mr Gardner said.
Importantly, the players are also great role models for the students and since they’ve been here, attendance is better, and students are more engaged with their learning.
Tim Gardner Coreen School Principal
“A lot of the players come from the country and bring with them a life experience they can share with the students.”
