Club president Cam Jones was delighted to announce the inaugural CYMS Academy which would be made up of players from their u14, u15 and u16 teams in 2022.

"The progression through to senior footy seems to drop off at the 16s, 18s level and then we've had a fair bit of talent and a few have gone on to better things which is great to see and we want to provide that opportunity for a few more of our junior guys," Jones said.

"Those that apply for it are doing it because they want to be there and they want to better themselves. It doesn't matter how talented they are, it's mostly about how hard working they are and the dedication to wanting to improve themselves."

Members of the academy will train alongside senior players, teams and coaches in numerous sessions throughout the 2022 pre-season.

They will also shadow the first grade team during at least one gameday next season to give them an insight into the preparation that is required at that level.

"It's just to get that relationship with the senior guys like we had a few years ago," Jones said.

"It's also to try and pass on a few of the skills and knowledge to the boys. A few of the senior boys I've spoken to are keen to jump on board to get a few of these younger boys to come up and play first grade for CYMS in a few years."

One of those juniors who is eager to apply is Callum Miskell. The 13-year-old is keen to take on board any and all information.

"I think every kid's dream if they play footy is to make it to the NRL," he said.

"I just want to be the best and I want people to see me as a good player so I can step up and be in this academy to show what I can do. It would be the best thing ever, just to see what they do and what they talk about."

During the off-season, NSWRL announced it would introduce a state-wide Player Points Index System for the first time across regional and metropolitan open age competitions. The system rewards rewards junior development and player loyalty, but Jones said the academy idea was in the works well before this announcement.

"It honestly didn't play a part in it," he said.

"It was based a bit off Orange City's academy and I see they're doing great things with that.

"I thought it was something we really needed and would help not only strengthen a senior club, but the strength and skills of our juniors to give them a good chance of going on to Sydney or wherever they want to go in pursuing footy as a career."

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