A ground breaking partnership between Leeds based law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Leeds Rugby Foundation has helped 200 young rugby players develop a series of life skills that will help their development on the rugby field and in the work place.
Earlier this year, young people from 28 local rugby clubs across the region took part in an outward bound scheme, which centred on a five-day camp at the end of August. The programme helped develop their skills such as team building, sports and fitness, and social awareness.
This week they have spent time at Irwin Mitchells office in Leeds with a series of workshops provide the students a brief understanding of personal finances that they can relate to, assist them in creating their very first CV and understand why it is needed, educate them on their potential careers and pathway that is required to achieve their chosen career and finally introduce them to a job interview process with pointers on do's and don'ts.
The sponsorship is the first project of its kind, which is being delivered in conjunction with the Rugby Football League, West Yorkshire Police & the Safer Leeds Partnership.
Commenting on the programme, Peter Morris, a Partner in the Leeds office of Irwin Mitchell, said: "We have really enjoyed having the young people visiting our offices and introducing them to the world of work. They have learned some useful tips on managing their finances, how to apply for a job and write a CV and taken part in some mock job interviews. We are very pleased with how all the sessions have gone with the Leeds Rugby Foundation and I think it is an important lesson for these young people to learn that there is a link between their sport and future careers. They can change their lives through sport and they have all applied themselves excellently."
Youngster Sean Connolly, who plays his amateur at Stanningley, says that the programme has helped him develop lots of new skills off the field. He commented, "I have had to mix with lots of people who I don't go to school with or play rugby with. That has helped me develop my communication skills and the tips we have picked up about job interviews and managing your money were really helpful too."
To view the video please visit the Leeds Rhinos site: http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/17795.php