Cummins to head up new Under-13s player development programme

Former Leeds Rhinos player and coach Francis Cummins will be helping develop the next generation of players as part of his new role with Leeds Rhinos Foundation.

As part of their Rugby League Development Plan, sponsored by MEARS, the charity will be running a new player development programme this summer, which will be overseen by Cummins.  The programme is aimed at Under-13s players who play for local clubs and schools. Teachers and coaches have been invited to send players and athletes who have shown potential to take part in sessions starting on the 8th June.
 
Following the sessions players will be identified to progress through to the next stage of the programme, which will involve coaching with Leeds Rhinos Foundation coaches based at three hubs. On 12th July the three hubs will then come together to play a round robin of matches at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
 
Speaking about the new development programme, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s rugby league development manager, Leon Crick said: “Back in 2013 we created a rugby league development plan for Leeds with the aim of increasing participation and improving standards in the game.  This has been hugely successful and this new initiative is an extension of what we already deliver in schools and clubs to help develop players.  We have identified the Under-13s as an age group that would benefit from receiving additional coaching and we believe it will also be valuable to both schools and community clubs as we look to offer their players extra support and coaching.  We will also use it as an opportunity to engage community coaches who are looking to develop their own coaching, either by getting involved or viewing the sessions.
 
“We are delighted to have someone of Francis Cummins’ experience on board to support this development programme.  Francis knows the community game very well and he will be able relate to the young players and offer valuable advice, having emerged through the system himself to make his debut for Leeds aged 16.”
 
Players can only be sent through community club coaches and teachers and must be returned to the relevant contacts by emailing clubambassadors@leedsrhinosfoundation.org before Monday the 30th of May 2016.

Trial dates and venues: