Young players seize chance to train alongside Bulldogs

They've shared the same club colours for decades – now something else is connecting the Thirroul Butchers and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs rugby league clubs. 

It proved a melding of the blue-and-whites when members of Thirroul's under 12 and under 14 squads trained alongside Bulldogs seniors at Belmore Sports Ground in an event organised by Future Form, a firm which sponsors both clubs. 

And it wasn't just a matter of chasing a ball round the paddock – the youngsters were mentored in areas including leadership, teamwork, confidence, resilience, and community connection, led by Bulldogs favourite Josh Reynolds.

The evening gave the young athletes firsthand exposure to a professional rugby league environment while creating memorable moments both on and off the field.

Future Form founder and managing director Nabil Hafza said the initiative was designed to inspire the next generation and reinforce the importance of giving back through sport and mentorship.

“This was about creating an experience the kids will never forget,” Nabil said.

“Sport has an incredible ability to build confidence, discipline, and belief in young people. To see the players engaging with the kids, sharing stories, encouraging them, and helping inspire them was incredibly powerful.”

Future Form executives Nabil and Ibrahim Hafza spent time talking to players throughout the evening, reinforcing the importance of hard work, community support and leadership away from the game itself.

The event also generated a range of cinematic social media and digital content pieces designed to showcase the impact of sport, mentorship, and positive community engagement while inspiring young people across the region.

Parents, coaches and players described the experience as highly motivating, with many of the young athletes inspired by the opportunity to train alongside professional players on one of rugby league’s most recognised grounds.