Leeds Rhinos star Jordan Lilley said he is looking forward to Children’s Day this weekend as the stadium opens its gates for Leeds’ biggest free festival for Children.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation will be hosting children and families across the region for the event taking place on Sunday, which is always a highlight of the season for the Leeds Rhinos squad according to the Rhinos half back:
"I remember last year it was a really good day out, it's always good to see everyone and meet different faces, sign autographs with the kids and just generally get involved with the fans, they come and watch us on a weekend so it's always good to give back, hopefully the sun will be shining so everyone can have a fun day."
Lilley, who has attended the festival since 2015, when he made his first team debut praised both Foundation's for providing opportunities for children like Children's Day.
"It's really outstanding what the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation do and you always do a really good job putting the event on and getting all these activities down here for all the kids.
"i'll be joining in and getting involved and it should be a good day, i'm really looking forward to it," added Lilley.
The free event which was re-introduced to the city in 2008 brings together organisations and charities from Yorkshire together for a day of child friendly activities, cricket and rugby festivals and a chance to meet the entire Leeds Rhinos squad.
Organisations including Eureka, Central Yorkshire Scouts, Wagamama, GAME, Diddikicks Football, Ping Table Tennis and this year's associate sponsor Nando's will be attending the event located around the stadium with Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation providing skills zones and stadium and museum tours on the day.
As part of the day's schedule, under 7s players from 25 Ambassador Clubs will take part in a small sided primary rugby league festival on the famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium pitch.
The tournament comprising over 60 teams will showcase the charity's Sky Try programme which has seen club's in the city through the help of Leeds Rhinos Foundation develop new under 7s teams improving the number of young players participation in Rugby League.
The festival will also see a host of performances from musical and dance acts on the Mears stage throughout the day with members of the Rhinos squad speaking to crowds on stage at 11:45am and 12:45pm as well as circulating around the stadium.
Gates open at 10am – 4pm and families attending the event can make a suggested donation of £3 per adult and £1 per child attending on entry. All proceeds will support the work of Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation.