As part of the 3 Year Rugby League Development Plan the Leeds Rugby Foundation have had the opportunity to deliver multi skills with a Rugby League twist to Key Stage 1 students within the Garforth and Kippax area of Leeds. The pupils who were aged between 5-7 participated in a 4 week program, and were then encouraged to attend a Rugby League taster session at Kippax Welfare Junior Rugby League club.
In total 15 children from the schools attended the session which was held at Kippax Leisure Centre at the last minute which was a great turnout considering the recent snow and freezing cold weather. A huge thank you to the leisure centre for accommodating us.
The children were involved in some fun activities, games and rugby skills which were organised by both the Leeds Rugby Foundation and Kippax Welfare Juniors. All the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and they got the opportunity to meet the Leeds Rhinos mascot ‘Ronnie the Rhino’ who also brought along the Super League trophy!
Leeds Rhinos Primary Schools Development Officer, Tony Aubrey commented, "I was really pleased with the event. Just seeing the children running around with a Rugby League ball, enjoying themselves with a smile on their face was brilliant. It’s a wonderful opportunity for these children to be playing at such a young age which in turn benefits our great game. I really hope the children will continue to attend these sessions regularly. The facilities, the coaching and the people involved with the Kippax club really make it a fantastic environment for young children to come to, play rugby, have fun and meet new friends in a safe and fun environment. I would like to thank the clubs coaches for their help but in particular Leanne Robinson for her efforts in making sure the session run so smoothly. Finally a big thank you to Kippax Leisure Centre for allowing us to use their indoor facilities.”
The finale to the six week primary schools programme comes to an end this week with each school receiving the very popular Leeds Rhinos 'Winning Team' assembly with another special guest appearance by 'Ronnie the Rhino'.