ATP unites the community through sport

The Australian Technology Park (ATP), South Sydney Rabbitohs and the NSWRL joined forces to showcase Rugby League and the way the game can bring harmony into the community on Saturday 7 May with the U17s ATP Redfern 9s competition.

NRL players including Chris McQueen, James Roberts and Nathan Peats were there to support more than 200 junior players competing in heritage-based sides including Indigenous, Maori, Samoan, Fijian and Middle Eastern.

The NSW Maoris won the grand final against the Middle Eastern team. However, there was plenty of entertainment off the field too with the teams entertaining the crowd with traditional war dances and cultural performances. There was also some inspiring local performers from Redfern’s Got Talent, food stalls representing various cultures and a jumping castle for the kids.

Roy Wakelin-King, Managing Director of Australia Technology Park Precinct Management, was delighted with the success of the event, saying: “The U17s ATP Redfern 9s really brought the community together. It was fantastic to see so many players from different backgrounds enjoying themselves and celebrating a real sense of unity and inclusion.”

Souths Cares General Manager, John Hutchinson said: “The ATP Redfern Nines is a great concept because it gives kids who aren’t involved in junior rep teams an opportunity to play at a representative level.
“Having the chance to represent their people was an immensely proud occasion for the players involved.”

The U17s ATP Redfern Nines was held at Redfern Park.