Wests Illawarra’s support has seen an increase in participation from female players like Abbie Caldow of the Wests Devils Junior Rugby League Club. Photos: Wests Illawarra.
Most weekends, Sid Parrish Park in Figtree hums with the sounds of community: the thud of boots on turf, the cheer of parents on the sidelines and the unmistakable spirit of junior rugby league. At the heart of it all is one of the Illawarra’s biggest junior clubs, the Wests Devils — and behind them, a powerhouse of local support: Wests Illawarra.
The club’s recently awarded ClubsNSW Award for Fostering Grassroots Sport is more than a trophy on the shelf. It’s a testament to decades of dedication and investment into the region’s sporting life — funding that’s helping junior athletes not only play but thrive — sometimes for generations.
“My grandfather, uncle and father all played for Wests, as did my brother and I and now, all three of my sons. That’s four generations,” Wests Devils junior rugby league club president and under 13s coach Trent Weaver says.
Trent’s story isn’t unique at the club. The ranks are filled with former players and their progeny. He chalks it down to the culture built around it – a community that stretches across decades, bringing families back year after year.
“We’ve got about 500 boys and girls registered. Some of our life members are still showing up every weekend to help out. It’s a safe, welcoming place where young people can play the game they love — and that doesn’t happen by accident,” he says.
In 2024 alone, Wests Illawarra injected $490,000 into 16 sporting and social clubs across the region through its “Community Strong” program. From cricket to darts, this support goes well beyond scoreboards — delivering playing kits, elite coaching programs and travel assistance for representative players, as well as in-kind support, like the use and maintenance of Sid Parrish Park itself.
This support has helped Wests Devils Rugby League claim multiple premierships, and turn out a star-studded alumni.
As the Wests Devils celebrate their 60th anniversary this year, the timing of the ClubsNSW award feels especially poignant. For Trent, it’s proof that community investment pays off.
“Quite a few success stories have come out of this club over the past six decades,” Trent says. “That includes first-grade coach of the Parramatta Eels Jason Ryles, Glenn and Brett Stewart who played for Manly and Australia and Beau Ryan, who used to play for the Wests Tigers and is now a media personality as the host of the Triple M Sydney breakfast show.
“The funding we’ve received from Wests over the years has been crucial in our success. Recently Wests contributed $500 to one of our players who made the NSW team to help her with the costs of getting to Townsville.”
Kade Reed is one of some 500 juniors registered with the Wests Devils, making it one of the Illawarra’s biggest junior clubs.
Across the Illawarra, similar stories are unfolding — of crucial funding making meaningful contributions to success, measured not only in trophies but buy-in, including increased female participation.
The Unanderra Hearts Football Juniors jumped from 382 to 547 registered players in just one year — a 43 per cent increase. Kembla Joggers saw a 25 per cent spike in Athletics NSW events and Wests Darts Club doubled its teams. Meanwhile, local girls’ cricket has expanded by a staggering 333 per cent, thanks in part to new grassroots competitions funded by Wests.
“Supporting sport is part of our DNA,” Wests Illawarra’s Chief Financial Officer Renata Garnero says.
“It was written into our constitution nearly 70 years ago to foster rugby league and kindred sports — and we’ve honoured that commitment year after year.
“Sport isn’t just about the game — it’s about physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection … Our partnerships mean kids can dream big. And some already are.”
But beyond the big names and premierships, Renata believes the true success lies in accessibility.
It’s why Wests has also funded a women’s social cricket league and grassroots girls’ netball and hockey pathways.
“Whether it’s a young cricketer taking their first swing, a netballer joining a rep team, or a footy player striving for the NRL, we want every child who wants to play to have the chance,” she says.
“We’re seeing wonderful results — especially in female participation. It’s a joy to watch new pathways open up.”
For more information contact Wests Illawarra.
