Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Winter Indoor Touch programme will return on 25th November supported by new sponsor Wise Adviser to provide rugby league festivals for over 1000 junior players in the city.
Wise Adviser, who work with a network of advisers and consultants across the country delivering advice on finance and insurance products are the new headline sponsor for the programme, which will provide 10 festivals for junior players from community clubs during the offseason.
Now 10 years old, the Winter Indoor Touch is one of the charity's flagship junior rugby programmes working with age groups from under 7 to under 11 and will include a festival for the girl’s youngest age group at under 12s for the first time in 2017/18.
The programme is key to the charity's Rugby League Development Plan, which was created in 2013, to help improve standards, attract new fans and progress players in the game and will once again provide a valuable development platform for over 1,000 junior players, referees and coaches from the 25 Ambassador clubs across Leeds.
Community Club Development Officer Sam Horner said:
“The programme is designed to showcase and develop young players in a fun and inclusive environment, while also keeping clubs together during the winter off season and we are now able to extend the offer to girls at under 12s, so more and more young players benefit each year.
“Our new sponsors Wise Advisor will be joining us at some of the festivals to speak to parents about their services including a new cashback incentive, so we are delighted to have them on board with us this year.”
Matthew Tebb from Wise Adviser said:
“At Wise Adviser we are committed to helping the development of community clubs and junior players, so we are excited that through our partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation we are able to provide our cashback scheme to the clubs."
The festival runs as a 5-a-side format with up to 8 players in the team and the chance to rotate as often as needed. Clubs with lots of players signed on are also welcome to register multiple teams for one age group to give everyone a chance to take part.
The programme also includes appearances from Leeds Rhinos first team squad and club mascot Ronnie the Rhino to present certificates to the teams on the day inspiring the next generation of young stars in the city.
Horner added:
“The festivals aim to promote and develop ball skills, agility, speed and support play and because teams can rotate and involve as many from the club as they want in teams of up to 8 players, it gives the chance for coaches to give everyone some game time as well, so it’s brilliant for team work and inclusivity.
For more information on services available from Wise Adviser visit: http://www.wiseadviser.co.uk/
To register for the festival or any other information contact Sam.Horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Festival dates this year are listed below:
25th November – Under 10s
9th December – Girls under 12s
13th January – Under 8s
20th January – Under 11s
27th January – Under 10s
3rd February – Under 9s
10th February – Under 7s
17th February – Under 8s
24th February – Under 7s