High Schools
Rugby League Development Plan
Rugby League Development Plan
High Schools throughout Leeds do a fantastic job to develop and promote Rugby League and this work is proudly supported by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who recognize the contribution that school rugby plays in the pathway to creating the next generation of players.
Through our links with High Schools in the city we are able to work together to encourage pupils to participate in the sport, both in school and with their local clubs.
For more information on High School coaching programmes, please contact:
We deliver coaching blocks both during curriculum time for full classes and after school for the rugby teams. Our focus is on developing Year 7 players as we are then able to leave a legacy in school and encourage pupils to continue taking part. All our work links into local Community Clubs to ensure players have extra playing opportunities out of school.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation have overseen the continued development of Rugby League at the High School level. This has been illustrated by the unprecedented success of Leeds Schools who have made it through to finals of the Champion Schools Competition over the past few years. The Champion Schools tournament is the world’s biggest Rugby League knockout competition and one of the greatest success stories for the sport.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation work in partnership with the Leeds & Hunslet Schools to develop Rugby League in Leeds. The 9’s tournaments supported by Sky Try were introduced to Leeds High Schools as a stepping stone to the full contact 13 a side game. The game also gives the players more opportunities with the ball in hand which gives them more time to showcase their skills. 9’s tournaments are available for each year group.
We have designed a programme that is specifically geared towards encouraging girls to get active with rugby. Delivered by Women and Girls Rugby Development Officer, Lois Forsell, who is an England Women’s Rugby League international, the girls will receive coaching sessions that will help them develop a range of skills and get active in a fun environment. Following the coaching programme the girls will be invited to take part in a Festival where they will compete against other girls’ teams in the city.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation is dedicated to supporting our local Schools and one of the best ways we are able to do this is through our School Ambassador Scheme. There are a number of incentives offered to Schools who are part of the Ambassador Scheme, such as group trips to watch the Rhinos, player visits and opportunities to take part in match day activity on the Headingley pitch during a Leeds Rhinos home game.
Throughout the school year Leeds High Schools have an opportunity to play rugby league in a city competition called the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Cup, which is supported by Leeds Rhinos Foundation. Each year group from Year 7 to 11 are invited to enter these competitions with the finals being held at Emerald Headingley Stadium and the John Charles Centre for Sport.
For more information on High School coaching programmes, please contact Ian.Hardman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org