Expression of Interest - Knights Family Carers

Background

The Newcastle Knights endeavor to provide quality opportunities for young players to come to the club to fulfill their potential and represent the Knights. In the current squad, Danny Buderus, James McManus and Tyrone Roberts have all benefited from this life experience. All three players were brought to Newcastle at a young age, placed with a supportive family and progressed through the Knights system to become the players they are today and outstanding role models for the Newcastle Knights.

Philosophy

At the Knights, they believe that pastoral care provided by families to their young players when they first arrive in Newcastle is a vital component of their successful transition to the NRL. The Club provides financial support to the families to cover the living expenses of the player, while the family provides emotional, spiritual and domestic assistance for the players.

“The first time I moved away from mum and dad was very daunting," Knights hooker Danny Buderus said.

"However with the support of my house parents (Libby & Warren Sowter), my transition to Newcastle and in to the Knights structure was made easy.

"I am indebted to their generosity. ”

For the past seven years Tony and Pam Machen have thoroughly enjoyed caring for the young players in the Knights system.

“We enjoy having players stay with us; they keep us young, we enjoy their companionship and we enjoy helping them grow in to responsible adults,” Tony Machen said.

Structure

As a general rule, the club endeavors to locate a newly recruited young player (any player under the age of 20) with a family carer in Year 1. In Year 2, the Club establish the players in a Knights home with a guardian. In Year 3 the players are prepared for independent living (renting).

Through this process, the club will maximize the chance of these players fulfilling their potential.

Financial Assistance

To assist the Family Carers, the Newcastle Knights provide an attractive financial package to ensure the player’s needs are appropriately managed and the family adequately supported.

Process

If you are interested in the concept of supporting an elite athlete, assisting with their development and providing domestic accommodation, please register your interest by contacting Phil Matthews: pmatthews@newcastleknights.com.au.