OUR HISTORY
The Newtown Junior Jets Rugby League Football Club was established in 2003 as a junior club associated with the famous Newtown Jets and competing within the South Sydney Junior Rugby League system. The club was started by Mr Paul Shiel who became involved after his young son began playing rugby league.
What is particularly impressive is how quickly the club grew:
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2003: 6 teams.
The beginning - The club quickly developed a reputation for providing young children with an opportunity to participate in rugby league in a welcoming and community-focused environment. The club began establishing its record of success early, with the Under 7 Division 3 team winning the club's first recorded premiership in 2003. Building a winning culture, further premierships followed across numerous age groups over the years.
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2004: 20 teams.
Rapid growth - The club experienced remarkable growth, expanding to around 20 teams in 2004, This rapid expansion demonstrated the demand for junior rugby league and the commitment of the club's early volunteers, coaches and families.
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2005: 25 teams.
At the time, the Newtown Junior Jets were described as one of the fastest-growing junior clubs in Sydney, with many of the children being new to rugby league. The club's emphasis was very much on getting young people involved in the game and developing them.
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2008 - 2019.
Developing generations of players - During this period, the Newtown Junior Jets continued to develop young players while achieving premiership success across different age groups. The club's success was supported by generations of volunteers, coaches, managers and families.
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2020 - 2023.
Resilience and rebuilding - Like many community sporting organisations, the club faced significant challenges during this period. Despite these challenges, the Junior Jets continued to provide opportunities for young players and recorded further premiership success, including Under 7 Division 2 in 2022 and Under 13 Division 2 in 2023.
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2024 – 2026
A new chapter - The club has continued rebuilding and strengthening its junior program, with a focus on bringing families into the club, developing young players and creating a strong community environment. The club has also had a strong connection with the local community. For example, Sydney Airport has supported the Newtown Junior Jets over the years, including assistance with training and equipment.
Clubs Success
The club has enjoyed a number of premiership successes across its history. The club's own records list premierships including:
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2003 – Under 7 Division 3
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2008 – Under 12 Division 2
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2012 – Under 11 Division 2 & Under 12 Division 2
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2013 – Under 9 Division 3
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2014 – Under 13 Division 1
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2015 – Under 8 Division 1, Under 9 Division 2 & Under 14 Division 1
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2017 – Under 7 Division 1
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2018 – Under 6 Division 1 & Under 12 Division 2
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2019 – Under 6 Division 1
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2022 – Under 7 Division 2
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2023 – Under 13 Division 2
The club has had a history of success, but its story isn't just about premierships. The Newtown Junior Jets traditionally promotes the club as a family-friendly, multicultural and community-focused club, with an emphasis on giving children the opportunity to learn rugby league, develop confidence and fitness, make friends and enjoy being part of a team.
Today, the club is based at Tempe Reserve, where the club continues to provide junior rugby league for children and families across the local community and remains part of the South Sydney Junior Rugby League structure. A club's history isn't just about premierships. The Newtown Junior Jets story has been built by players, parents, coaches, trainers, managers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have given their time and energy to keep the club going. Many families have spent years at the club, with children progressing through the age groups and, in some cases, returning years later as coaches, managers or volunteers.
That is one of the great strengths of a community club — the people who join become part of its history. The club continues to place importance on participation, player development, teamwork, sportsmanship and creating a positive environment for children and families. From six teams in 2003 to the club that exists today, the Newtown Junior Jets have experienced growth, success, challenges and rebuilding. But the objective remains unchanged: giving young people the opportunity to play rugby league, make friendships, develop confidence and be part of a community they can be proud to call their club.
The story of Newtown Junior Jets is still being written. Every player who pulls on the Newtown Junior Jets jersey, every coach who volunteers their time, every parent who helps on game day and every committee member who works behind the scenes adds another chapter. The history of the Newtown Junior Jets is more than 20 years of rugby league. It is more than premierships and trophies. It is a story of families, friendships, volunteers, community and generations of young players who have proudly worn the Jets jersey.
And the next chapter is only just beginning.