Littleborough RUFC, a small club located behind the lake but which now boasts more than 200 young people has been awarded the Ian Sinclair youth trust award for the county of Lancashire in a glamorous award ceremony at Preston Grasshoppers.

This season under the direction of Kate Bennetta and Clair Carson has seen unprecedented success with not just on-field success increasing the numbers of children taking up the sport, but also seeing the development of children's and young adults character and personality in a safe and nurturing environment.

On the field success has been ever present this year whether that be in the U13's girls getting to the final of the Melbourne 7's or the U14's boys putting the big boys to the sword and winning the Blackstick Blue Challenge Bowl at Fylde. Each age group has more than competed with the bigger clubs both in Lancashire and across the Pennines in Yorkshire.

Off the field the juniors have been involved with running the first girls tournament back in April, have played in matches on Sale Sharks match days and have been a part in the current U20's world championship in Manchester.

Not only did the U20's trophy come to the club a few weeks ago, 160 members including over 50 children went to U20's matches at the Etihad Academy this Saturday with many of the kids being flag bearers on the pitch before the England vs Scotland game.

A huge amount of credit is owed to a lot of people including the coaches, parents and indeed the children for their enthusiasm and passion that has made the junior section the best in the county.