Every year our junior set up seems to get stronger and this year is no exception. Rugby League for these age groups should be as much about children enjoying themselves and developing as players and young people as it is about winning. If you get the balance right this usually translates through into successful teams and that's been proven by our sides time after time this season.

Scott Quarmby's U7's became the first age group to play under new Primary Rugby League Rules focussing on smaller sided games giving greater opportunities within games to practice core skills. I think it's fair to say the changes were met with a degree of scepticism but credit to Scott and his team they embraced the changes and the feedback from Scott and other clubs has on the whole been very positive. Our other mini teams have also had enjoyable and successful seasons but given the calibre of the all the coaches and assistants involved it doesn't really come as any surprise. It's always good to see former professionals coaching at Community Clubs but when as is the case with Johnny Lawless and Lee Greenwood they obviously understand how to coach and develop young children it bodes well for the future.

Our two other teams playing the modified version of the game have both had tremendous seasons. I've had the fortune to see the U10's play number times and they are a cracking young side. It's no surprise given the playing environment Ben Jackson and his team have created. All too often the playing environment for kids at junior level is hostile with some of the behaviour coming from the sidelines leaving a lot to be desired. Ben has found exactly the right balance between discipline enjoyment and development and there will be some players from this group who go a long way in the game. I haven't seen as much as our U11's as I would have liked but I know Digga is really pleased with the season they've had and the progress they've made. I can see similarities between the two sides with players from both teams obviously enjoying their rugby.

Our youngest side playing competitive league rugby the U12's had a difficult start to life in Division 1. The YJL perhaps acted a bit hastily moving them from Division 1 to 2 after a few early losses but in the end it was probably the correct decision. I saw them play early on in the campaign and they looked unsure and lacking in confidence. The second time with essentially the same side they looked transformed, full of confidence and playing some first class rugby. Sometimes with juniors you have to take a step backwards before you can go forward again and credit must go to all the coaches and players for the way they bounced back and finished the season so strongly.

What can you say about our U13's? The list of silverware won just keeps on growing. Again they won everything. They are without doubt a 'Super Team' but they've not achieved that tag through recruiting the best players from other clubs but from having the benefit of a group of lads who have grown up together, been superbly coached and who most importantly train incredibly hard. They thoroughly deserve all the plaudits they get and it’s no surprise clubs like Wigan Warriors are showing such an interest. There will be greater challenges ahead as player movement between clubs ahead of the scholarship selection process will see opposing teams strengthen. That said I suspect the biggest challenge this team will face will be off the pitch i.e. how players and parents react when the Super League clubs inevitably come knocking. If they continue to rely on the hard work team ethos and quality coaching they are receiving then the sky's the limit. Anything less and they won't fulfil the huge potential they have which would be a shame.

The U14's had an up and down season but still managed a creditable 6th place finish in a strong First Division. The arrival of East and West Hull who finished first and second in the Division made in a very tough league. The U15's team finished the season looking really strong. They should be promoted into Division 2 next season but they are arguably Division 1 standard.

The U16's were denied promotion from Division 3 last season because of the introduction of Hull teams into the league. Unsurprisingly, they walked the league once again making a mockery of the decision and capped off the season with a once in a lifetime tour of Australia. The memories from that tour will stay with the boys for the rest of their lives and thanks again to everyone who made it happen.

The U17's season began back in December when they were crowned BARLA U17 Yorkshire Champions. They took that form into the Premier League remaining undefeated winning every game to make it a superb and well deserved league and cup double. Several of the squad also featured in our open age set up with Connor MacCallum and Jack Matthews making their NCL debuts and others featuring in our YML Premier and Pennine sides.

As the above snapshot shows we have a strong junior set up with real strength in depth. We are fortunate to have an outstanding set of coaches who appreciate it’s not just about winning but doing things the right way. It’s not just about producing good players but playing a role in producing good people. We should all be very proud that the coaches we have get that and the proof is there for everybody to see.

Other highlights from the season included our first Siddal Nines Festival a superbly organised event which received some great feedback. We also had some success in the Halifax Cups with the U13’s U14’s and U17’all retaining the trophy for their respective age groups.

We will start next seasons campaign with a few familiar faces missing from the touchline. Chris Bean has decided to go out on a high after the U16’s Aussie trip having coached the side through the junior set up. Jason MacDonald who stepped in to take the U17’s this season has found it difficult to balance his Siddal commitments and pre-existing commitments at Bradford Bulls and has decided to step aside. Both coaches leave with their respective teams riding high and with the gratitude of everyone at the club for all the hard work they have put in. With Chris and Jason both leaving their respective roles we do have a vacancy for a Head Coach for next seasons U18’s. We will not be running a separate U17 and U18’s next season so we will have a strong squad with strength in depth. It will be an excellent coaching opportunity for whoever takes the helm.

Also stepping aside from his role helping Russ Holroyd with the U15’s will be Graham ‘Flicker’ Hickey. I’m told Flicker has been coaching at the club for that long Eddie Golding-Smith was still playing. I can’t imagine he’s been coaching for that long but I do know Flicker has made a significant contribution to our junior set up. Once he’s fully recovered from his knee operation (which we’ve all been following on Facebook) Flicker will be back on the bowls circuit where there is big money at stake and he is considered something of a young upstart with a promising career ahead of him… I’m sure you will all join me in thanking Chris Jason and Flicker for the contributions they have made during their time with the club. I’m sure we will continue to see all three around the club so please buy them a drink next time you see them.

Well done to all our junior players coaches helpers on another cracking season.

Ps season not quite over for the U12's who will be at home on Saturday. 11:30KO.