Leeds Rhinos Foundation delivered an extensive Sky Try programme last term, helping to introduce more than 60 new players to Leeds Rhinos’ Ambassador clubs.Staff worked at 14 Primary Schools across Leeds as part of the Sky Try project, which continues to support the development of grassroots participation in Rugby League.
Each school received a five-week block of coaching sessions, delivered by Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rugby League Development Officers, as well as a full school assembly, which highlighted the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and promoted the Sky Try taster sessions at local Ambassador clubs.
With an emphasis on inspiring the children, the assemblies also included a look at qualities the Leeds Rhinos’ players have demonstrated to make them so successful, before finishing with a special visit from Leeds Rhinos’ mascot, Ronnie the Rhino.
In total, more than 1,060 children in Key Stage 1 received Sky Try delivery from Leeds Rhinos Foundation throughout the term.
Ian Hardman, Rugby League Development Co-ordinator, said: “Our Development Officers have been very busy with delivering assemblies and rugby league sessions in local schools and the feedback we have received has been fantastic.
“The Sky Try taster sessions are essential in helping to introduce new players to Leeds Rhinos’ Ambassador clubs. A major goal of the Rugby League Development Plan, which is supported by Mears, is to ensure that all community clubs in Leeds run an Under-7s team this season and the work our Development Officers have done this term will go a long way to helping us achieve that.”
Four Ambassador clubs hosted free Sky Try taster sessions, with Under-7s tasters taking place at Garforth Tigers, Farnley Falcons and Chapeltown Cougars and an Under-8s taster at Oulton Raiders. 110 Key Stage 1 children attended the sessions, including 62 new players to the game of Rugby League.
Thomas Staniland, Chairman of West Leeds-based Farnley Falcons, said: “The work that Leeds Rhinos Foundation have done for our club, especially in the local Primary Schools, has been fantastic.
“We have run a Sky Try taster for the last five years and each year it has provided us with a brand new Under-7s team. Our oldest team is now at Under-11s level with players who came through the Sky Try programme and have been retained by the club, which shows the impact of the sessions.”
Further details of Sky Try can be found by visiting www.skytry.org.
For more information about how to get your Primary School involved with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, please contact ian.hardman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.