Leatt appointed York RLFC Head of Youth
York RLFC is delighted to announce Will Leatt is taking over as Head of Youth, overseeing the club’s player development pathway, and the club's future application towards gaining Academy status.
Leatt is one of the longest-serving members of the York RLFC family, having worked across both York RLFC and York RLFC Foundation, alongside many years of involvement in the community game.
Respected within the rugby league community, he brings considerable knowledge and experience from working with professional head coaches and community coaches across the area.
Developing homegrown players remains central to York RLFC’s long-term vision.
Through stronger links with the community game, an accessible development programme and additional playing opportunities, the club is building a pathway that allows talented young players to develop closer to home and aspire to represent their city in a Super League environment.
The next phase of the pathway will build on the foundations established by former head coach Andrew Henderson, whose vision and commitment helped develop the structure supporting the club’s emerging talent.
At the heart of the pathway is the Excel Player Development Programme, which provides players with opportunities to develop their skills in York RLFC’s talent development environment.
Leatt said: "There have always been talented young players coming through our community clubs and the local area, but for too long they have had to leave the city to continue their development.
“I’m delighted that we’re now in a position to offer a professional pathway towards York’s first team.
“Excel remains a massively important programme and one I’ve always enjoyed being involved in. By adding the Squires and Bachelor programmes above it, we can help our young athletes continue their development here in York without having to go elsewhere.
“There is a huge amount of talent across York and North Yorkshire. By working closely with schools, community clubs, coaches, volunteers and families, we can create a development system that supports players throughout their journey and gives local talent every opportunity to progress.
“Ultimately, the goal is simple. We want to see more homegrown players progressing through the pathway and representing York RLFC’s first team.”
For further information on how your teams can be helped at your community club, please contact info@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880.
Any businesses or organisations interested in supporting the York RLFC Excel Lions Player Development Programme or the York RLFC Foundation can do so through a range of available sponsorship packages.
For more information on sponsorship packages, please email York RLFC General Manager Neil Gulliver on n.gulliver@yorkrlfc.com (Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm) or call 01904 670880.
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