SOUTHERN Cross University has strengthened its long-standing partnership with the SCU Marlins, with plans to boost student involvement, research collaboration and community engagement.
President of the SCU Marlins, Michael Edwards, said he was excited to see the sponsorship taken to the next level.
“This club plays an important role in our community, as does the University, and it’s great to see these two organisations move closer together as we explore future possibilities,” Edwards said.
Future projects include embedded placement opportunities for students, research projects and participation by more student players.
The SCU Marlins and Southern Cross University have shared a history that dates back 30 years.
The Marlins were originally formed by a group of passionate rugby-playing university students, who entered a team in the reserve grade and Under 19 competitions.
The club had an eventful history of highs and lows before reforming under the SCU Marlins banner in 2010, when they once more entered a reserve grade team in the Mid North Coast competition.
Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, adding a first-grade side in 2012, numerous junior teams in almost all age divisions in the following years and a women’s side in 2017.
Today the club fields 12 teams in various competitions.
The SCU Marlins first grade side currently sits in fourth spot on the ladder in the current Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.
SCU Campus Coordinator Nick Simmons said the campus loved being home to the Marlins.
“They’re a fantastic example of how sport can bring people together,” he said.
“It’s about backing a club that gives students, families and young athletes the chance to thrive, both on and off the field.”
By Aiden BURGESS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
