Studies were never high on the agenda for Reagan Campbell-Gillard when he was at school.
His school days were all about footy.
Before class, at lunchtime and in the afternoon - it was all footy.
But on reflection, the value of education hasn’t been lost on him.
“I really wish I probably did pay more attention in school,” Campbell-Gillard said.
“I was always there for sport, always loved sport but I now know you need the education side of it too,” he said.
Campbell-Gillard, along with the Parramatta Eels squad this week took part in the annual school blitz.
This year was a little different.
It was done over zoom, due to COVID restrictions, but the message for students was still strong.
Each session included games of Kahoot, a q&a session, and lessons about the importance of leadership.
“I tell kids when we do these school blitzes to obviously stay in school and learn as much as possible,” Campbell-Gillard said.
“We talked a lot about leadership with the kids.
“Education is still important even if being a footy player is your goal. Footy clubs really try to drive a lot of education as well. Making sure stuff out of football is also important.
“If you’re not really paying attention in school, and you still want to pursue Rugby League, the game still has a path for your education as well,” he said.
The players virtually visited 20 schools, including Merrylands PS, Caddies Creek PS, Sacred Heart Cabramatta, Kings Langley Public School, St Monica’s North Parramatta, OLOR Fairfield, William Stimpson PS, Beresford Road PS, PS Governor Philip King, Hiltop Road PS, St Pats Parramatta, Sherwood Grange PS, Fairvale PS, Mt Pritchard PS, OLOA Rouse Hill, Kellyville PS, Rouse Hill PS, Lynwood Park PS, Northmead PS and Yennora PS.
