Graham Lowe: Grass roots neglected but still producing talent

Grass roots sports, despite being neglected by sporting bodies, is still producing plenty of talent. Photo/Brett Phibbs New Zealand Herald.

While I'm sure many footy fans have been glued to their TVs watching the Rugby World Cup or the NRL Finals series over the last few days, I personally took a journey back to the future.

I had the pleasure of attending the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Linton Cobras Rugby League Club down at Linton Army Base over the weekend.

You know the people who run and also ensure the survival of these small provincial clubs such as the Linton Cobras, or whatever sport they maybe, are really the heart and soul of our overachieving sporting nation.

And in-spite of the lip service these rural sports clubs receive from their governing bodies and the lack of funding support, they continue to provide our champions.

Kudos is too often sent to the sporting academics who have infiltrated the various sporting codes and far too little support is provided to those at the coal face.

Quite simply, there are far too many people who have never heard the sound of the sprigs on the concrete making decisions on the directions of sport.

Unfortunately, back in the day, many sports throughout the country felt a need to turn to those who supposedly were better experienced at gaining sponsorship etc because they came from the "corporate world."

This was done because not enough respect at the time was given to those from the 'bad knee and cauliflower ear brigade.' They weren't considered smart enough to take their sports to the next level.

Adopting this strategy has eventually alienated grass roots development and as a result, there seems to be far less clubs around who were once the heart and soul of the various rural communities.

I know there are many other economic reasons as well but in this day and age the lower levels of sport are all needing greater support.

I cast my eyes around the room on Saturday evening down in Linton and saw a number of young guys who had future NRL player written all over them, all they need is the chance. They are lucky because their club is providing the first steps to such a career if they indeed, do kick on.

I experienced the same feeling recently when I spoke at a fundraising luncheon for the Massey High School First XV rugby tour which they are currently on.

Amongst the excitement each of these boys was glowing with, stood the proud, hard working parents, the equally hard working Massey High School teachers and staff and also many other local supporters.

Each contributing in some way to enable this tour to happen.

And I reckon this school team will eventually spit out a few All Blacks and also NRL stars, just to name two sports.

It is just fantastic because as we all know, the communities throughout our country realise if they don't find a way to provide opportunities for our young sporting talent, no one will.

I'm not picking on any one sport, they are all the same. Forget about the cream rising to the top, the money stops at the top.

This needs addressing urgently.

And what about the sensational performance of Japan over the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup? A performance like this really brings a smile to the face of those who still have faith in the bolter. I'm one of them.

The All Blacks though, are going to take some beating. At the heart of any great side you need class and style and the All Blacks have plenty of both.