Three years ago Leeds Rhinos Foundation devised a Rugby League Development Plan for Leeds, with the support of Mears Group. The aims of the plan were to develop more players, improve standards, attract more fans and protect the history and heritage of the game. As we approach the end of that initial three year plan we take a look at its achievements and the vision going forward.
Improving Standards
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s ground breaking Coach Education programme has been at the heart of the plan to help improve standards in the game. Led by Leeds Rhinos Head Coach, Brian McDermott, the initiative has had dedicated sessions focussing on various areas that are involved in developing a rugby league side, from fundamental skills, conditioning to age specific coaching. These sessions have been greatly received by the rugby league community and have been particularly useful in bringing the community of coaches together to learn and share ideas with the common vision of improving the standards of the game from grassroots to professional level.
Along with the coaching Leeds Rhinos Foundation offers in schools to help teach children the fundamentals and basic skills from an early age, the charity is committed to ensuring that rugby league coaching can continue once they have left and teachers are provided with resources and support to ensure they are equipped to be able to deliver the coaching.
We have also delivered Level 1 and 2 coaching courses, enabling new coaches to enter the game and cater for the increased numbers of player sin Leeds.
The final year of the plan has also seen the launch of the ‘Rhinos Respect’ campaign, aimed at improving the touchline and community club environments. All our ambassador clubs will receive materials to help support this, so that together we can improve the environments in Rugby League.
Increase Attendances
Initiatives such as Day to Remember in schools and the invite for community teams to play in the half time games , be player escort and flag bearers have not only helped encourage new fans to watch Rugby League but has also enabled those schools and teams to be part of, and enhance, the Rhinos match day experience.
Sponsored by Caddick Construction, the Day to Remember initiative provides children with a special once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will never forget. Following a day with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation in their school, where they receive a healthy lifestyles assembly, a Ronnie the Rhino appearance and either a rugby, multisports or dance session, the children are offered the chance to be involved in a Rhinos home game fixture in a unique, exciting and rewarding way by participating in an on field parade in front of a packed Headingly Carnegie stadium.
In 2015 the Leeds Rhinos Foundation's School Ambassador Scheme exceeded expectations by surpassing the 5000 barrier for schools children, staff and parents taking part in match day activity.
Community Clubs are also a big part of the unique atmosphere at Headingley Carnegie. As a reward for their hard work during the year, each season junior sides from our Ambassador Clubs are invited to play on the same pitch as their Rhinos heroes. Along with this unforgettable experience the children from these sides are given the opportunity to walk out with the Rhinos players as a player escort or form the guard of honour as the teams run out on to the pitch.
Developing Players
The increase in player participation over the last three years has been one of the big success stories of the Rugby League Development Plan and this has been achieved through our partnerships with the city’s schools and clubs.
- Primary Schools
Much of Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s work in Primary Schools has been with children in Year 2, after it was identified that the most effective way to get more players interested in playing rugby league was to target this age group. The charity has worked in schools across the city to deliver coaching workshops with the vision to inspire children to continue playing the game with their local Community Club. Following the coaching programme pupils have been encouraged to attend taster sessions at their local club, which have been supported by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Rhinos players.
In 2012 only three Leeds clubs had teams for Under-7s but three years on, thanks to the hard work of the city’s community clubs and Leeds Rhinos Foundation – through their coaching programmes and their promotion of the game and local clubs – Leeds now has 14 Under-7s teams.
The coaching sessions in schools for Year 2 pupils is often the first time the children have played Rugby League and by introducing the game to them during these formative years it is hoped that they will continue to stay engaged with the sport, either as a player or supporter.
As well as the backing of Mears Group, the Rugby League Development Plan has kindly been supported by a number of organisations who are keen to see the game develop. This year money from the Sky Try programme has empowered the charity in their work to deliver new opportunities to play, watch and become involved in the sport.
- High Schools
In High Schools the Leeds Rhinos Foundation team have continued their good work to develop the game and encourage pupils to participate in the sport, both in school and with their local clubs. Providing coaching blocks both during curriculum time for full classes and after school, the focus has been on developing Year 7 players, with the ambition of leaving a legacy in school and creating a pathway to local clubs.
In 2015 Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Sky Try 9s Festival saw schools from across the city compete in a 9-a-side tournament for pupils in Year 7 and 8, which culminated in a Finals day at Lawnswood School. The 9s format is a more accessible version of the game which can be more appealing as an introduction to those who have never played the game before.
- Girls Rugby
The ambition to help more women in Leeds get involved in the sport has always been key to what Leeds Rhinos Foundation does, with the charity having employed a dedicated Women and Girls Development Officer since its inception, ten years ago.
This development is now overseen by England Women's Rugby League international, Lois Forsell, whose role is to increase the interest and participation of female Rugby League in schools and community clubs in the city. Her work involves delivering Rugby League coaching sessions to High Schools during curriculum time and after school, running tag and contact rugby competitions for primary schools, high schools and community clubs throughout the year.
Support
A pleasing aspect of the Rugby League Development Plan has been the support it has received from local businesses, who have recognised its worth and got behind the concept. The contribution of Mears, Sky Try, A Taylor and Son, Bramley Trust, Emerald Foundation and Leeds City College has empowered Leeds Rhinos Foundation to make a positive changes and achieve its ambitions in developing the game at grassroots level.
Thanks must also go to many other private donors and sponsors who have enabled us to continue to deliver Rugby League to the children and communities in Leeds.