Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds City College welcomed more than 40 students to a programme launch event at Emerald Headingley Stadium for their new Category 3 Academy.
Staff from both organisations came together on Tuesday evening to showcase the ground-breaking programme, which is the first of its kind in the city, for prospective players and their families.
Launched in March, the Category 3 Academy has been developed to allow 16-18-year-old learners to combine their academic studies at the college, while also taking part in the Rhinos’ world class rugby league performance programme and pathway.
The evening kicked off with guest speeches from Chief Operating Officer Bob Bowman and Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield, before Ryan Grant, Head of Sport at Leeds City College, and Dan Hardy, Head of College Rugby at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, delivered presentations to outline the structure of the programme, as well as the wide range of opportunities- both in an academic and sporting setting- available to pupils.
It was then onto the second part of the night, as the aspiring players laced-up their boots to take part in an hour-long practical training session, led by coaches from Leeds Rhinos Foundation on the famous Emerald Headingley turf.
Hardy, who coached the Leeds City College side to their first AoC Yorkshire League title in the 2018-19 season, has been the driving force behind the launch of the Category 3 Academy and believes it can provide a platform to build on the recent on-field success and take the partnership to the next level.
“Winning the league has almost acted as the foundation for us to be able to springboard this programme to something far more advanced and fully holistic in its approach,” said Hardy.
“What we’ve achieved so far through this partnership is very encouraging moving forwards and the Category 3 status now enables us to significantly step up our efforts and deliver almost a watered-down of our Category 1 academy scheme, where our students will be able to experience the highest level of coaching and train in facilities that are not offered elsewhere.”
With the programme set to begin in September at the start of the new academic year, Hardy stressed that there is still plenty of opportunity for people to get involved.
He added: “The beauty of this programme is that it is truly open to everybody, boys and girls with any level of playing experience.
“Unlike some other scheme, it’s not strictly for people who have been part of systems prior and not just for scholarship or academy prospects. We are open to anyone with a love for the game who wants to improve, both academically and in their rugby.
“We’ve seen a great turnout tonight, but his was merely just a launch night and the most important message is that it’s not over for anyone who is interested in joining this fantastic programme from September.”
For more information on the Category 3 Academy, including details of how to apply, please contact dan.hardy@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.
Watch our video below to see more action from the launch event, including interviews with Ryan Grant and Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Head of Community Gareth Cook: