The Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Under 13s Development Coaching Programme kicked off on Wednesday 8th June at three coaching hubs across the city in the South/West, North/East and Regional areas with 192 players nominated from community clubs and schools across the city.
The first session incorporated some of the initial coaching themes for the programme ranging from ball handling, half back plays, tackle technique, game scenarios, game awareness and small sided games delivered as a coaching carousel to the players, who were split into four groups at each of the hubs.
Former Leeds Rhinos player Francis Cummins, who is heading up the under 13s development programme this year, set up the themes for the coaching evening which was delivered by the three Head Coaches at each of the area hubs on the night including, Richard Tate in the South West, Ian Hardman in the North East and Paul Heaton in the regional area.
Community Clubs Development Officer and lead on the Leeds Rhinos Club Ambassadors Scheme Sam Horner commented: "Going by the number of players who have been put forward by clubs and schools, it's fair to say that there is a demand for this type of programme.
"Under 13s players at the pre-scholarship age, who are performing well for their clubs and schools get the chance to share in best practice and to continue to develop and be up-skilled as part of the programme, which is what this is all about.
"The programme also links with our Coach Education programme, creating a pathway for coaches to be up-skilled and develop knowledge working with coaches of the calibre of Francis Cummins, so everyone involved is sharing in this development environment."
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Rugby League Development Plan Manager added: "The whole scheme, which includes five weeks of quality coaching for the young players and further coaching to take place, really showcases the work that we at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation do in the community.
"This programme is only one of many initiatives we have delivered as part of the plan, such as our well-received Rhinos Respect Campaign, Coach Education, Level 1 Coaching Qualifications – where over 60 coaches from our Ambassador clubs have qualified this year, free equipment giveaways which support clubs in there day-to-day running, Outdoor Adventure Programmes for junior players and opportunities to take part in Rugby League festivals and on match days."
Updates on the Under 13s programme will be posted on the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Website along with photos of player achievements on the charity Twitter – @RugbyLeeds and Leeds Rhinos Foundation Facebook page.