Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rugby League Development team will be visiting schools to deliver free curriculum coaching this term to help inspire the next generation of under 7s recruits for community clubs in Leeds
Leeds Rhinos’ official charity have been working with RLDP sponsor Mears since 2013 to develop the standards of coaching and participation of Rugby League at both club and school level across the city.
Alongside support for the high school game, the charity offer free curriculum coaching with primary schools as part of the plan, to introduce Rugby League to year 1 and 2 students through regional Rugby League Development Officers in the four corners of the city.
Through 2017, a total of 3,847 primary school children took part in a coaching session through the Sky Try programme, supporting 24 ambassador clubs in Leeds, something which Rugby League Development Plan Manager Leon Crick sees as integral to the future of the game.
“We had a target to drive participation in rugby league to new heights in Leeds through the Rugby League Development Plan, which as of 2017 has supported nearly all of the 25 ambassador clubs in Leeds,” said Crick.
“The programme plays the role of introducing the sport to the year 1 and 2 age group, many of which haven’t played the game and then providing an important link to community clubs, who are now equipped with new under 7s age groups and can start a new generation of players at the youngest age group.”
With the new community club season starting in March, Leeds Rhinos Foundation will be working with a number clubs to help with player recruiting as well as promoting club’s efforts to find players for older age groups.
To begin a new year of recruitment, Chapeltown Cougars and Garforth Tigers will be the first teams working with the Foundation with Sky Try Taster Sessions coming up in February. Follow Leeds Rhinos Foundation on Twitter @RugbyLeeds and Facebook 'Leeds Rhinos Foundation' for further Taster sessions to follow in 2018.
If you live in the catchment of Chapeltown Cougars or Garforth Tigers and would like more information on the upcoming tasters see the contact information below.
Sky Try Taster session at Chapeltown Cougars
Wednesday 7th February from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Mandela Centre Chapeltown, LS7 3HY
Contact – Joe.Sanderson@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Sky Try Taster session at Garforth Tigers
Friday 9th February from 6pm to 7pm
Garforth Academy, Lidgett Lane, LS25 1LJ
Contact – Ian.Hardman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org