Although Leeds Carnegie fans will be somewhat disheartened by their side losing to Bristol in an extremely competitive game on Sunday, there was certainly a positive outcome for the club during the half-time spectacle that was produced by the host of junior clubs that took to the field.
In total, there were over 200 children from 18 different teams that participated in games during the 15 minute half-time interval to impress the crowd with their rugby abilities. Whilst the Leeds Carnegie and Bristol players took a rest in the changing rooms, the youngsters, many of whom were attending their first live game, produced some fast-flowing rugby in their exhibition games to keep the crowd entertained.
Commenting on the 18 teams that took to the field community manager Adam Blades said: “It is great to see so many children being able to play on this historic pitch and give them the opportunity to attend a game, some for the first time, and introduce them to the Leeds Carnegie family. We have been running the half time games all season and have had over 100 teams play on the pitch throughout the year and have had clubs travel far and wide to play on the pitch as well as local clubs form around Leeds. We are very proud of this as it is some achievement and we feel privileged to be able to open this up to the clubs of Yorkshire. We have 3 remaining home games left in the season and hope to continue the positive trend right until the end.”
Carnegie players have also recently been involved with a session teaching the children at Tryzone, based at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Chris Walker, Lee Imiolek and Leeds Carnegie Community Manager, Adam Blades joined in with TryZone for sessions of rugby skills, wrestling and Q&A.
Janet Sylvester from Tryzone was delighted that players and staff had taken the time out to help teach children at Tryzone some valuable skills, she said: “Thank you to Adam Blades for organising and running the sessions for TryZone, it’s great that Carnegie are enthusiastic about supporting the project. The lads from Farnley Park Academy and Allerton High engaged brilliantly during the sessions and were intrigued to find out what life is like and the commitment it takes to be a professional rugby player. They were all inspired especially one of the lads who already plays rugby but now aspires to play professionally, watch this space! It was also a fantastic opportunity for others to try a new sport.”