Leeds Rhinos is delighted to announce the launch of a Category 3 academy, in partnership with Leeds City College and Leeds Rhinos Foundation. This follows a successful season that has seen the college side take the AoC Yorkshire Division 1 Championship title.
The Category 3 academy programme 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.
This exciting enterprise, the first of its kind in the city, will provide the perfect opportunity for community players with a desire to progress into a high-quality academy. Students, both existing and potential, studying a range of subjects at the college will be able to access the programme.
There are many facets of the academy, including group and individualised strength and conditioning sessions, video analysis and nutrition, held across a range of high- quality facilities including the Rhinos Rugby Academy complex in Kirkstall.
Students interested in enrolling on the programme will be able to attend a launch evening on Tuesday 23 April, 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Emerald Headingley Stadium. This will include a practical session on the pitch and an opportunity to find out more about all of the courses available.
Ryan Grant, Head of Sport at Leeds City College, said: “This is a unique opportunity for potential and current sport students to experience first class coaching and cultivate their skills in a professional environment.
“Working in partnership with the academy and professional coaches, students will have the potential to participate in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Premier Division.”
England international and former Leeds City College student, Kallum Watkins, will be among the ambassadors for the scheme and is just one of several Leeds Rhinos players who have studied at the college.
Budding athletes will be addressed by the Kevin Sinfield, Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby, introduced to the Rhinos performance team, and take part in a practical training session on the pitch. Leeds City College course leaders will also be on – hand to field any queries regarding the academic aspects of the programme.
Sinfield is delighted to be partnering with Leeds City College to deliver an opportunity for aspiring rugby league players in Leeds and the wider region.
He said: “Adopting professional practice from the Leeds Rhinos Youth department, the academy will provide a pivotal pathway that retains players in the game and allows students to represent this great club whilst in no way hindering their academic ambition”.
To book your place visit bit.ly/rhinoscategory3 or for further information on the programme, email dan.hardy@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.