Leeds Rugby Foundation and Princes Trust today team up to deliver the ‘Get Started With Rugby’ Programme.
Report by: Adam Lunn – Leeds Rugby Foundation Community Development Officer and programme leader:
This will be only the second time that this programme has run and it will hope to build and develop on from February 2013’s achievements.
Led by Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Adam Lunn and supported by Clayton Stott, this programme offers a unique opportunity for young adults to ‘Get Started With Rugby’.
Targeted at 16-25 year olds, candidates of the programme undertake various activities one being able to have an open discussion on topics such as: ‘Drugs in Sport’, ‘Careers in Sport’ and ‘Healthy Lifestyles’.
The August edition of the programme which kicked off earlier today follows on from last week’s taster day, which proved to be a hit with lots of enthusiastic potential participants ‘getting started with rugby’.
The taster day involved an introduction to the course and then being marooned on a desert Island and the frustrating Helium Stick.
This week will kick off with team building and ice breaking activities, including blind folded assault courses and drainpipe transfers. Each day the course, which runs from 10am until 4pm at Stanningley ARLFC, will provide new and exciting challenges.
Throughout the week the candidates will also take part and have an exclusive experience by being visited and listening to ex-England International and Leeds Rhinos Star Keith Seinor’s inspirational talk, followed by a behind the scenes look at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
Also teaming up with Leeds Rugby Foundation is Leeds City College, who will pay a visit during the week to talk to participants about prospective courses and opportunities they offer.
Alongside the educational aspect, candidates will be assessed on the final day at the Kirkstall 3G facility to achieve a Rugby League Leaders Award.
This will be based on their ability to coach specific rugby league skills such as; play the ball, passing, kicking and evasion. It is hoped that this award can be the start of many, by providing new opportunities to get involved in coaching local amateur rugby league clubs or even progression onto Level 2 Rugby League coaching certificates.
Finally, the course will accumulate in a tag rugby festival, run, organised and managed by the candidates themselves. Parents, friends and families are all invited to the festival and the final awards ceremony will take place after the festival, where the candidates will be awarded their certificates.