Leeds Rhinos Foundation wrapped up another successful term of Rugby League activity by hosting their first Player Development Day in more than 14 months at Hunslet Warriors ARLFC during half term.
The day featured two-hour sessions for both boys and girls aged 12-14, with the youngsters invited to take part in free open access training under the guidance of Leeds Rhinos Scholarship and Women’s team coaches, as well as the Foundation’s team of Rugby League Development Officers.
Aspiring players from across the region came along to take part in the first Player Development Day of 2021, which are part of the award-winning England Talent Pathway scheme designed to improve standards at a critical stage of the community game.
There was a fantastic response to the event, with the boys’ session selling out and having over 70 players from 25 community clubs attend. In the afternoon, a further 25 girls from 8 different clubs were involved as the strength of the community game was once again on full display for the coaches.
There were also special visits from Leeds Rhinos legend Brett Delaney plus Leeds Rhinos Women and England Women ace Amy Johnson, who cast their eyes over the talent and were on hand to share their top tips and expert knowledge with the players in order to help them improve their own game.
It has been a difficult period community rugby league during the coronavirus pandemic, however Head of Rugby League Development at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Ian Hardman, voiced his delight at seeing so many keen young players back in action at the Player Development Day.
“It’s been great to have our Player Development programme back up and running and the turnout was truly phenomenal, with roughly 100 u12-14s players attending in total across the day,” said Hardman.
“Our coaching staff were really impressed with the attitude and range of skills displayed and we hope everyone who took part enjoyed the experience and took a lot away from it.”
“It’s a great chance for us to work with players from the community game in order to support them in their development and set them on the right path to achieving their full potential, wherever that may be.”
“We will be announcing our next block of Player Development Days including our 14+ ETP schedule in the coming weeks, so make sure to stay tuned.”
To learn more about how Leeds Rhinos Foundation supports the community game through their Rugby League Development Plan with Mears Group, please CLICK HERE.
For more information about Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Player Development programme, please contact ian.hardman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.
