Once again Leeds Rugby Foundation have pioneered an innovative programme to increase participation in High School Rugby League. A one off representative match has been scheduled as a curtain raiser for the Leeds Rhinos Vs Castleford Tigers match at Headingley Stadium on Friday 7th June.
The game will feature the most promising young stars currently participating in school rugby across the city at U13’s(Year 8). The teams representing the age old rivalry of the North Leeds/South Leeds divide in relation to the River Aire.
The South Leeds Schoolboys side will be representing the Hunslet colours of Myrtle, Flame and White and their first round of trials took place on Friday 19th June showing off an abundance of talent giving selectors a real headache when making the first round of selections and call backs. The South Leeds Schoolboys are coached by Ben Walker (Bruntcliffe), Jim Naylor (Rodillian) and John Oldridge (Cockburn)
The North Leeds Schoolboys side will be donning the Rhinos Blue and Amber and were the first team to finalise their squad on Tuesday 16th April. They are coached by Lee Parkin (John Smeaton) and James Endersby (Corpus Chritsti). After the trial on Tuesday Mr Endersby commented “I’m genuinely surprised at the quality of skills today. I can’t wait to get to training and see where we can take these lads! We have the makings of a really successful squad here.”
The successful youngsters will wear their school shorts and socks “barbarian” style in order to give more publicity of their school and increase the level of pride they share when pulling on their school colours. In addition to the game Leeds Rugby Foundation will be making presentations to each individual squad member during whole school assemblies.