Ryan Bailey recently played in his Leeds Rhinos testimonial in which the Rhinos defeated London Broncos 62-10. Bailey has had a great career so far with the Rhinos but that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his community club during his progression through the amateur game, Milford Marlins ARLFC.
The Marlins were at Ryan Bailey's testimonial to continue that support and formed a guard of honour as he ran out onto the pitch.
It is events like this that make the Leeds Rugby Foundation's (LRF) aims that little bit more worthwhile. The LRF's Rugby League Development Plan for Leeds aims to allow youngsters to play rugby league from the youngest of ages at their local community clubs and to have the opportunity to watch a Leeds or Hunslet game live.
At the LRF we value community clubs massively with a huge number of Rhinos' players having progressed through their local community clubs to make it to the professional game. The support that community clubs give to players and the opportunities that are produced through them, is pivotal to young players' enjoyment and progression through the game.
We aim to help support community clubs and make it a common goal to get young people playing and, most importantly, enjoying the sport of rugby league within their community.
Sam Horner commented: "Let's not forget how important Community Clubs are to Rugby League as all most professional players start off in this environment before going on to succeed at the top level."
If you would like some more information on community clubs and how to join them, contact Sam Horner on Sam.Horner@leedsrugbyfoundation.org