Young homeless people put Leeds Rhinos players through their paces ahead of sporting fundraiser for charity Centrepoint
Leeds Rhinos rugby league players Jordan Baldwinson and Josh Walters were put through their paces by homeless young people from Bradford and Barnsley earlier today (Friday 22 September). The special training session at Headingley Carnegie Stadium was held a few weeks before Centrepoint’s Ultimate Sports Quiz, which takes place at the stadium on Thursday 5 October.
The Quiz will be hosted by BBC Sport’s John Inverdale with players from Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie; Great Britain rugby league legends Garry Schofield OBE and Lee Crooks; and BBC Eggheads Lisa and Barry. The players will join each team for a round and will be able to ‘buy’ answers from the Eggheads.
All the money raised from the event will support Centrepoint’s work in Yorkshire. Centrepoint supports more than 350 homeless young people every year in Yorkshire, providing accommodation and support to help young people to turn their lives around. The charity helps young people gain essential life skills; tackle their physical and mental health issues; and move into education or employment.
Today’s training session was an opportunity for the rugby league players to meet some of the young people who have experienced homelessness in Yorkshire, like Anthony, 21, who is staying with Centrepoint in Barnsley.
Anthony said: “I was expecting to come and tackle some big rugby players! We didn’t do that but I enjoyed it, we did sessions to improve our ball skills. I’m not really a sports person but it was fun, it was a laugh. Meeting the players was good, they were nice.”
Leeds Rhinos player Jordan Baldwinson, said:
“I’ve been looking forward to the session today and it was really good fun. For myself and the other players it was nice to get involved and try and teach the young people some new things that they’ve probably never done before.
“Sport can make a big difference with lots of things. It may be a challenge for people who don’t feel confident but once you get here you feel right at home, it’s a very supportive environment. As these young people have shown it’s all about coming down and having a go. We’re also supporting the ultimate sports Quiz here at Headingley. Centrepoint is a great cause and we’re going to make a really good night of it. It’s a good chance to meet some Rhinos players as well.”
Gary Hetherington, Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive said:
“Leeds Rhinos Foundation exists to work with young people: our people and our players try and help and inspire others less fortunate than ourselves. Centrepoint is a charity that does just that so sessions like this are a great use of our facilities. The Ultimate Sports Quiz will be a great evening’s entertainment; Garry Schofield and Lee Crooks attending as well as players from Yorkshire Carnegie so it’s a coming together of different sporting legends.”
The public can pit their wits against Yorkshire’s finest for just £65 per head, which includes entry to the quiz, drinks and an evening meal. To book, please contact Faye Edmondson: f.edmondson@centrepoint.org
Key information: Centrepoint’s Ultimate Sports Quiz, 6.30pm – late, Thursday 5 October, Headingley Carnegie Stadium