Barbara Pfeiffer hails from the ACT and is a proud ambassador for the mighty Canberra Raiders. She is a shining example for women who want to get involved in rugby league at the grassroots level. Barbara is heavily involved in First Aid, acting as a strapper for teams from juniors through the seniors, as well as educating children throughout the ACT on the importance of First Aid.

How important is rugby league in Canberra and the ACT?
Canberra is very lucky in that there are so many sports to play. Some of the children train for two, three or more different sports but rugby
league has been a leader in ensuring that there are sports qualified first aiders/trainers at every game. This has meant that we get a good
participant rate amongst weekend and school based competitions.

Favourite footy moment?
There are many. The smiles on the kids faces when they win their Grand Final. The U6 player scoring a try on the adjoining field. When the Raiders won the inaugural U20s comp (a few of those players I had looked after since youngsters). When some of these players make their NRL debut. Every weekend of footy can bring a special moment.

Any particular Raiders players we should be looking out for this year?
Our young kids (Dugan, Croker, Vidot, Thompson, Fensom, etc) are doing great and I know we have a great bunch of players in U20s, South Logan and still at school that will be players to watch out for in future.

You are involved in rugby league on a grass roots level, can you give our readers some tips on how they can get involved themselves?
Don't be afraid to put your hand up to help. There is a great community spirit amongst the rugby league clubs. You will get so much personal satisfaction knowing your assistance is much appreciated. There are many ways to get involved, committees, fund raising, canteen, coaching as well as first aiding. With my role as first aider I am involved in the sheds with strapping before a game, on the sideline (uninterrupted view), on the field to attend injuries or provide water, and afterwards in the sheds to hopefully sing the team song. It is the next best thing to actually playing the game. You are very much a part of the team.