This academic year has seen a record number of students taking part in our school competitions, as Rugby League participation continues to rise throughout the city.
Engaging over 3000 students, the efforts of both The Foundation and Leeds and Hunslet Schools Rugby League have successfully expanded the reach and popularity of school-level rugby, seeing not only an increase in competitor numbers, but also the number of teams entered.
As a result of this, schools throughout Leeds have been seeing the benefits in which team sport can have on students, entering their teams for next year’s competitions.
Some of the positive feedback in which we have received from both teachers and students can be seen below!
Leeds West Academy:
“Since I started working at Leeds West Academy 3 years ago, the Rhino’s 9’s Festival has had a huge impact on our students. Our Academy is made up of around 47% pupil premium students, which means it is vital for us to provide them with as many exciting opportunities as possible , such as the 9’s festival.
“The competition has allowed us to increase both participation in sport within the academy, but also at the local rugby clubs in the community as students experience rugby for the first time at the 9’s and find a new passion for it. Furthermore, due to the popularity of the festival with our students we are able to use it as a tool to promote good behaviour and attendance amongst the students as they strive to be selected to play.
“We have had a range of students who have never played rugby prior to joining us at high school, and now due to participating in the festivals, have gone on to represent their local clubs and being incredible talented players.”
John Smeaton Academy:
“Firstly, thank you for a great evening last Monday at the Y9/10 girls final. It goes without saying that the work you and Leeds Rhinos foundation do for community schools rugby is immense and we really appreciate it as a school.”
Rhinos 9’s Feedback
Student Voice – Y7 Boys
Student A – ‘The rugby tournaments are really good fun and I love playing multiple schools at the fixtures’.
Student B – ‘I love playing different schools at the tournaments and it is a good way to introduce us to playing rugby’
Student Voice – Y8 Boys
Student A – ‘I have enjoyed playing rugby at school with my friends and other friends that I have at other others in the area’
Student B – ‘The games have been fun to play and the level is just as good as on a weekend when I play’
Student Voice – Y8 Girls
Student A – ‘I had lots of fun at the tournaments this year and now I play outside of school for a team’
Student B – ‘I really enjoyed playing rugby for the first time with my friends, it was scary at first but my friends helped me’
Student Voice – Y7 & 8 Girls Indoor Touch
Student A – ‘The tournaments inside the sports hall were good fun and a good way to introduce rugby’
Student B – ‘I really enjoy the inside touch tournaments because I’m not a big fan of tackling’
Garforth Academy:
“I cannot speak highly enough of the support Leeds Rhinos Foundation provide to a teacher who has a passion for students enjoying Rugby League, but has to manage running school Rugby League with the roles of being a teacher that are compulsory rather than voluntary.
“The organising of competitions between schools means many more students get the chance to experience Rugby League than they otherwise would. It’s clear from student voice surveys that students thrive on the opportunity to represent their school and it clearly builds a pride towards the school, which in my opinion, gives them a much more positive attitude towards school and improve their behaviour in school, even if its subconscious to many of the students.”
Carr Manor School
“Our boys thoroughly enjoyed the 9’s competitions. Especially the ones we have done well in. There has been a real buzz around each year group when the competitions have come around. Our demographic consists of a variety of cultures and economic statuses.
“These tournaments have seen a slight increase in participation in our extra curricular rugby after school and some boys have gone on to join some clubs outside of school, which is a huge positive.”
Trinity Academy Leeds:
“Trinity Academy Leeds students have benefitted immensely from the Leeds Rhinos Foundation 9s tournaments this term. The format of the games means that they are very accessible for our students. Typically, in each year group we only have one or two students who play the in the community game. So, having a 9-a-side format means that we are not attending tournaments at a great deficit.
“With regards to attitudes and subsequent behaviours within the academy, I can only say positive things about our students involvement in Rugby. There is a noticeable decline in the negative behaviour instances in both the week preceding and proceeding these tournaments. Once a teamsheet is handed to a team Captain a camaraderie begins to be fostered.”