As part of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation development programme and the directive to increase participation in Rugby League at the grassroots level, Leeds Rhinos Foundation will run a taster evening at Wetherby Bulldogs Rugby League Club on Thursday 2nd of April 6.00pm till 7.00pm. This event has been arranged on back of a coaching programme set up in the Primary schools around the Wetherby area. The concept is to run a coaching block, targeting year 1 and 2 children to play Primary Rugby League.

Mathew Nicholson our Primary Schools Rugby League Development Officer has now delivered coaching in the following schools; Thorpe Arch, St Mary’s C of E, St Joseph’s, Crossley Street, Deighton Gates, Primrose Lane, St James’s and Bardsey. All the schools have been invited to attend the taster evening to be coached by Mathew and The Community Development Officer Sam Horner. Ronnie Rhino and The Challenge Cup will be there to make it an enjoyable evening.

Sam Horner said “Our ultimate aim is to create a much needed under 7s team for the Wetherby Bulldogs and increase their player base. The programme we run has been very effective in helping Whinmoor Warriors, Garforth Tigers and Chapeltown Cougars successfully retaining players for their under 7s teams”.

Mathew Nicholson said “ The schools coaching programme has been very responsive and we hope to have plenty of players there on the night”.

Wetherby Bulldogs Junior Secretary, Vicky Peel said “We have had great success over recent years with some of our junior players signing to Sheffield Eagles Academy, York City Knights, Bradford Bulls and of course, Leeds Rhinos. We are very much a family friendly environment and every player, no matter what their skill level, is encouraged to come along to the taster session.”

You may not know anything about rugby, but you do know how important respect, honesty, courage and team work are as life skills. You know how important positive peer pressure and good role models are to children. You may not have thought of rugby as a means to building character but that is what Wetherby Bulldogs is all about. Our club teaches rugby as a metaphor for life where courage, respect, honesty, commitment, team and hard work make the difference. – rugby league is about building confidence and skills, it isn’t just about the rugby.

Wetherby Bulldogs Junior section trains Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm – more details at www.wetherbybulldogs.co.uk or by contacting Vicky Peel on 07736 147479.