"It was unbelievable."
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That's what Central West under 12s rugby union assistant coach Will Gaden had to say about his side's trip to Japan in April for the Kids' Rugby World Cup.
Up against various teams from across the world, including New Zealand, Indonesia, Scotland, Italy and Japan, the clan were in for a tough battle but pulled through in the end.
"There was never an actual final as such but we played six games and won it on points which was pretty cool," Gaden said.
"It was just a great, fun tournament and a really good bonding session for the boys to come together as a team and a bunch of mates."
After the 17 hour flight, Gaden says the boys were pumped to land, and flew away with much more than an experience.
"They were absolutely bouncing with excitement when we got there. We had to go and do a training session quickly because they had all been cooped up," he said.
Once they got going, they bonded like brothers, it was one big family.
- Central West under 12s rugby union assistant coach Will Gaden
"It's a world sport where kids make mates with kids from all over the world. Ollie [Gaden's son] has come back and made best mates with the captain of the Scotland side, they swapped jumpers.
"They message and keep in touch. There was also a lot of cultural things they learned too, it was incredible."
However, Gaden says if it weren't for the support from five businesses situated all across the Central West, including Tyrepower Mudgee, the trip would have been much more difficult.
"Money is tight as we know, it doesn't just affect farmers but businesses too because we don't spend money like we maybe would," Will said.
To have these guys sponsor us so there was no burden of someone missing out and making sure everyone had a kit, just blew me away.
"I'm a sheep farmer so to ring up and ask people for money is not something I'm good at and don't like doing, but Matt [McPherson] was one person who said yes straight away and jumped on board."
When asked why lend a helping hand, Tyrepower Mudgee owner Matt McPherson said it had a lot to do with community spirit.
"As a local business, we like to give back as much as we can," he said.
"It's all about helping out the community as we go."
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
