The zone is also rolling out initiatives to help with grassroots footy, including "Be a Sport" campaign, reinforcing positive side-line behaviour for our kids, and the club champion programme.
The zone is fortunate to have some major events coming to our region this year, including the Vodafone Warriors this Friday at the FMG Stadium, Hamilton.
It will be intriguing to see the die-hard league fans come out of the woodwork from the area to support the Warriors and coach Steven Kearney as the team takes on St George.
League clubs from Tauranga and Hamilton will see their U7 and U9 teams playing in the curtainraiser matches among the Warriors hype - Otumoetai Eels from Coastline Rugby League District will be playing alongside Waikato District-based clubs Turangawaewae, Taniwharau and Hamilton City Tigers.
But the main event for rugby league this year is the Rugby League World Cup in October. New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea have won the rights to host the competition this year and as such Hamilton's FMG Stadium and H3 team will be hosting two home games: Tonga v Samoa, on November 4, and NZ v Tonga, on November 11.
Other events coming to the zone include the NZ Secondary School Qualifying Tournament, the North Island Districts Tournament, Youth nationals and NZRL Junior 16s and 18s.
For information on coaching courses, school visits, club capability training, or any matters involving rugby league, please contact me on mel.b@nzrl.co.nz.
Mel Bennett is the general manager - Upper Central Zone Rugby League.
