Bundaberg business identities Darren and Melinda Scheuer attended the Easts Tigers season launch in Brisbane this week.
The owners of Bundaberg Furniture Court and Beds R Us have come on board as major sponsor of the club's Wide Bay Development Academy, which will be opening soon in partnership with Shalom College.
“We are 100 per cent Bundaberg born and bred, and extremely proud of it,” Darren said.
“We are so proud of our community, and always happy to be a part of any initiative that helps local sporting groups, schools or charity organisations.
“This new academy will give local rugby league players a direct pathway to the next level of football with the Suzuki Easts Tigers and NRL through their allegiance with the Melbourne Storm.”
Easts Tigers chief executive Brian Torpy said he was looking forward to what the partnership might bring.
“We are excited to be able to partner with a school such as Shalom College and work in the Wide Bay region which has been a history of successful rugby league players,” he said.
“Most recently, Felise and Patrick Kaufusi have come through the Easts Tigers system, due to the affiliation between Melbourne Storm and Easts Tigers and are both Shalom College alumni.
“Easts Tigers would like to thank Beds R Us Bundaberg, The Waves Leagues Club, Greensill Farming and Shawline Embroidery for their sponsorship and support of the program.
“We are proud to have them on board.”
Shalom College rugby league coordinator Neil Feather said he was pleased to have the support of Easts.
“Shalom College is exceptionally proud to have an association with a club as steeped in tradition as Easts Tigers,” he said.
“They are providing both the students of our college and those of the wider Wide Bay community a fantastic new opportunity to pursue their sporting dreams, but also develop as young men.”
The development academy not only touches on-field components, but has a well-planned out educational component to accompany it.
