Leeds Rhinos Foundation is helping to inspire a new generation of rugby players through their Sky Try programme which last week saw 75 new players introduced to four community clubs across Leeds
The initiative involves Leeds Rhinos Foundation staff working in primary schools across Leeds, offering fun and enjoyable coaching sessions to children in years one and two, with the ambition to promote lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity whilst getting them enthused about playing Rugby League.
Following the coaching in schools, the charity then work with local community clubs to provide a pathway for the children to continue playing and last week 75 new players attended taster sessions at Chapeltown, Leeds Underdogs, West Leeds and East Leeds.
Brett Ferres, who is an Ambassador for Sky Try, helped with the coaching at East Leeds and said he is pleased to play his part in getting more children involved in the game.
“Sky Try is all about developing the game at grassroots level and getting more people playing our game,” Ferres said. “It has been great to get out into the community clubs and support this and see boys and girls coming along to give our great sport a go.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Leon Crick said: “Our ambition is to grow the game and in recent years we have achieved a great deal. There are now 20 clubs in Leeds with Under-7s teams, which is a real accomplishment, considering back in 2012 there were just three.
“Research has shown that introducing sport to children during their formative years helps them to stay engaged with sport and that is really important. We want children to enjoy being active and living healthy lifestyles and it is encouraging to see the work we are doing is attracting more children to play Rugby League.”