Widnes Vikings worked with the club on a number of initiatives throughout the 2015 season, including ‘Club of the Week’ and ‘Embed the Pathway’ which saw the clubs players visit the stadium and coaches receive development opportunities. The partnership is now set to reach new levels with new Vikings community coach Grant Gore delivering the Sky Try initiative in Chester schools in collaboration with Gladiator coaches with festivals being held at the clubs training ground.

Richard Munson, community integrated director at the Vikings, commented: "We are really pleased to be working with Chester Gladiators as part of our new 'Priority Clubs' programme. The emphasis of 'Priority Clubs' is on providing tailored support to each club and through meeting with the Gladiators chairman Jim Green, it is evident that they are a forward thinking community club and we look forward to supporting their growth.

"In regards to the Sky Try programme, we are confident that each primary and secondary school in Halton will access the scheme this year, and the opportunity to work with the Gladiators and expand to Chester was a win-win for all concerned."

Jim Green, chairman of Chester Gladiators, said: "We're very excited at the potential for this partnership and proud to be associated with such a famous name in rugby league.

"The Vikings provided our juniors with a fantastic experience as 'Club of the Week' at a Super League match and have supported some of our coaches through the 'Embed the Pathway' programme. Richard and the club have been extremely supportive and clearly recognise the huge potential for the sport in Chester.

"More schools will have the opportunity to enjoy rugby league through the Sky Try initiative, complimenting our existing work in the community and hopefully bringing new players into our club."

The Vikings ‘Priority Clubs’ programme was launched earlier this week and is focused on developing greater partnership with community clubs in rugby league. The programme is based on three key areas:

Increasing the number of players participating in rugby league.
Delivering quality player and coach education opportunities.
Enhancing club and player experience.

Chester Gladiators welcomes new players at all age groups. For more details call 07512 355396 or email info@chestergladiators.com.