Leeds City College’s continued support of the Leeds Rugby Foundation has enabled huge benefits to be made in the development of rugby league in Leeds High Schools. It has allowed the Foundation to create an infrastructure of competitions and tournaments which have given youngsters an opportunity to showcase their skills at the highest level.
That has been illustrated in 2011 by the unprecedented success of three Leeds Schools who have made it to Finals of the Carnegie Champion Schools Competition.
The competition, the largest of its kind in the world, involves schools throughout England and Wales and is one in which Leeds have had little success in until last year.
Temple Moor's Year 7 team reached the Wembley show piece in 2010 only to stumble at the final hurdle but now, in Year 8, they have a second chance to become National Champions along with two other Leeds schools.
South Leeds Academy Year 7's will be the curtain raiser for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on August 27th and Priesthorpe Year 9’s have commendably reached their National final too.
Players and teaching staff from the three high schools were guests of the Leeds Rugby Foundation at the recent ‘City of Leeds Celebration of Rugby League’ annual dinner. Their table was kindly funded by Peter Maturi & Sons.
The highlight of the evening for the future stars was formal recognition of their achievements by the assembled guests, numbering over 300, the respective young captains drawing applause and acclaim for their answers when interviewed on stage.
Speaking at the event, Leeds Rhinos Community Development Officer Jonny Wainhouse commented, “The players have not just done their schools proud but the city of Leeds too.”
“All sectors of the sport here can rightfully take credit; Rob Rigg and Andy Wormhald (Preisthorpe), Gavin Nicholson (Temple Moor), Dan Cook and Ben Clark’s (South Leeds Academy) hard work and effort has now been recognised.”
“Community clubs Stanningley, Hunslet Parkside, Hunslet Warriors, Oulton Raiders and East Leeds have played their part on influencing and developing the players to achieve this amazing success.”
He continued, “Leeds City College’s support of the Leeds Rugby Foundation has created a pathway for the young players. The attitude and commitment from them has set a new benchmark for schools with in Leeds. History has been made and this is not just down to the schools but to the city of Leeds pulling together.”