Leeds Rhinos Foundation return to over 50 schools across Leeds this week to deliver rugby, multi-skills and dance led by five School Partnership Officers including new recruit Tom Exley.
Tom, who will operate in the Kirkstall and Headingley area, will commit over 70 hours of contact time to each of his eight schools this year as a dedicated sports officer, delivering a varied menu of activity that allows pupils to experience different sports and learn new skills as part of their sports curriculum.
Through the charity's school sports offer, 50 primary and high schools now commit sport premium funds to the Leeds Rhinos Foundation in exchange for a dedicated School's Partnership Officer who delivers high quality Physical Education throughout the school year.
The 23-year-old Sport Development and Coaching graduate at Northumbria University has previous experience working in the community environment operating as a casual coach for two coaching organisations within the Barnsley area alongside further coaching experience with the Headingley Carnegie Stadium-based Yorkshire Cricket Foundation.
Penistone-born Tom also took up the opportunity to gain experience of his new surroundings prior to starting his role this week as a casual coach with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, something which he hopes will help him hit the ground running:
“After working within a casual coaching role for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation at the end of the previous school year, I am extremely pleased that the team have offered me a permanent place with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation," said Exley.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the team as of yet and I am looking forward to getting stuck into my role and contributing to future successes of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation within the partner schools sector.
Commenting on the new appointment, Community Manager for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Gareth Cook added: “We are delighted to welcome Tom to the team and he has settled in really well in his first few days.
“Tom has a strong multi-sport coaching background and has also worked on the Leeds Rhinos Summer Camps funded by the Leeds Outer East Community Committee. I have no doubt Tom will be a great addition to the team and we look forward to seeing him produce some high quality coaching within local schools in Leeds.”
For more information on Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s School Partnership Offer click here
Or contact Gareth.Cook@leedsrhinosfoundation.org