Leeds Rhinos Foundation benefited from eight Rugby League volunteers from Leeds Trinity University this year supporting a range of events and programmes across the city.
The volunteers from the Titans Rugby League squad, who play in the BUCS Rugby League Northern 2B Division, have supported the the charity at school rugby festivals volunteering as referees and pitch managers, getting valuable experience working on both Primary and Secondary school competitions such as the Sky Try 9's High School competition and Sky Try Primary Tag Festivals.
Alongside helping out during the school year on extra-curricular competitions, volunteers were also able to work over the summer holidays supporting Leeds Rhinos Summer Rugby Camps, again working with a range of ages from 6-14 to deliver rugby coaching alongside Leeds Rhinos Foundation staff on camp at North Leeds Leopards, Hunslet Warriors and Stanningley ARLFC.
Two volunteers from the Titans have also provided valuable help running birthday parties delivered by the Foundation which include Tag Rugby games and fun alongside club mascot Ronnie the Rhino at venues around Leeds.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Rugby League Development Officer Richard Tate, who coaches the Leeds Trinity University Titans and coordinated the volunteering commented:
"It's fantastic to be able to provide some of the players, many of which are working towards careers in coaching and sports management with some valuable work experience with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
"We are all about providing mutually beneficial links with local schools, community clubs and higher education organisations in the city and this is another great example of that.
"I'd like to pass on my thanks on behalf of the Foundation to Ben Pulleyn, Ian Crow, Liam Hunsdale, Ben Fox-Everett, Ellis Pascall, Matthew Bonsell-Stanhope, Conor Meese and Euan Roberts who have all provided fantastic coaching and support on our programmes this year."