The charity’s Rugby League Development Plan was initially launched in 2012 with a vision to support the community game, improve standards, create opportunities for people to get involved in the sport as well as celebrating the heritage of the game.

Following the success of that initiative, Leeds Rhinos Foundation has now launched its new five year plan to help grow the game.

OUR RUGBY LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PILLARS:

Increasing Participation

We are committed to growing Rugby League at all levels. We will work with community clubs, schools, higher education establishments and the RFL to ensure there are opportunities and pathways for new participants to access and develop in our game.

Player Retention

We will work with community clubs, schools and our partners at the RFL to develop and deliver a range of sustainable programmes to help retain players in the game. These include our North v South Player Development Series that provide ongoing player development and pathway opportunities. Our work around developing coaches and club environments will also support this.

Women and Girls

We will develop and deliver more opportunities for women and girls to access our sport. We will aim to have more women playing more often in environments and formats which are adaptable to encourage participation.

Coach Education and Development

We will deliver a robust and quality coach development programme including level one and two coaching qualifications, alongside opportunities on our pathway programmes. Coaches will also be able to access central bespoke coaching workshops aimed at improving provision in the community club setting. 

Game for all

We will encourage and support diversity and inclusion by developing and sustaining programmes which engage and are accessible to all sectors of our communities. We want to create a sense of belonging which includes respecting feelings, being valued for who you are and feeling a level of supportive energy and commitment from others.

If you would like to know more about the Rugby League Development Plan, email darren.higgins@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.