After claiming their first league title last season, the North Derbyshire Chargers Under 14s team travel to Castleford Panthers today in the first of their pre-season friendlies.

Retaining all but one player from their 2016 squad, preparations for the new season have been very positive with Head Coach, Ashley Rennison, working with the boys to allow them to have a voice in setting aspirations for the upcoming season.

In a nod to professional clubs, players and parents were invited to a pre-training team meeting facilitated by Rennison which saw the election of Ethan Bradshaw to the role of Captain and Tom Reeson as Deputy. Players were presented with individual training plans for the season ahead with a focus upon personal development as well as overall improvements in the team.

Players also find themselves in new positions for the start of the friendlies with many players working hard through the closed season to improve fitness, stamina and carry on the momentum from 2016.

The squad also welcome Kane Nimmo to the coaching team and continue to look for new players to join them and details of further friendlies will be announced once finalised.