The pre-season can be a long, hard slog.
That’s why coach Leon Cameron jumped at the chance to change up the GIANTS’ training routine with an eye opening session at the PCYC gym in inner-city Woolloomooloo.
The training session came about when well-known businessman and PCYC board member James Dack approached Cameron with a unique opportunity that would help the players realise how lucky they are to have the opportunities they do.
The intense boxing session session was followed by a walk around the local neighbourhood where Dack grew up and is home to a number of people who’ve fallen on hard times.
“Knowing (CEO) Dave Matthews, meeting Leon (Cameron) and (Chairman) Tony Shepherd and some of the guys socially, I felt like I would really love to give something back to the club that I think will be tangible in the growth of the organisation,” said Dack following the gruelling session.
“I think the club is really building towards something special and that’s all on the back of great people and I think the GIANTS have got that.”
The PCYC is a venue close to Dack’s heart, after growing up in the housing commission homes of Woolloomooloo with his strong mother and alcoholic father before making his way in the business world.
On top of learning from Dack, the players also heard from two-time Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner Joe Akacich about personal development and overcoming challenges.
With the long football season just around the corner, Cameron felt like this was the perfect way to get the players in a different environment that would challenge them both physically and mentally.
“It’s important to get the players away from the club and they really attacked this session. Their spirit was fantastic,” said Cameron.
“The PCYC have opened their doors for us and it’s great to see different parts of Sydney and appreciate just how lucky we are.”
Jonny Patton and Shane Mumford square off in the ring
Dylan Shiel and Rhys Palmer work the ropes
The players hear from two-time Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner Joe Akacich
