York RLFC Foundation are thrilled to announce that more than 300 pupils have been involved in our five Secondary School Festivals since the beginning of October!
The Inspired By 9s Festivals have taken place at the York St John University Sports Park, Archbishop Holgate’s School and Manor Church of England Academy, providing boys and girls from Years 7 to 11 to take part in rugby league in schools.
More than a dozen schools have been represented at the Festivals, including some from areas such as Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Tadcaster and Selby as well as York.
York RLFC Foundation were also delighted to see more-and-more Secondary School Teachers continuing to deliver rugby league in their curriculum, many of whom have now been on the RFL's Secondary School Teachers Award training course, giving them new ideas and understanding around concepts of the game.
York RLFC Delivery Manager Adam Prentis expressed his delight at the growth of Secondary School Rugby League and its expansion throughout North Yorkshire.
Prentis said: “We are delighted to be able to grow Secondary School Rugby League and expand the reach of the sport and the amount of players getting involved.
“Playing Secondary School Rugby League Festivals allows new players their first taste of contact rugby and the opportunity for more experienced players to shine and take pride in representing their school.
“By growing Secondary School Rugby League, new players are introduced to the sport, community rugby league and grassroots sport in general.
“Players are then encouraged to seek out their nearest community rugby league club.
“We are also pleased to give more opportunities to girls to play community rugby league in York than ever with two York clubs - Heworth ARLFC and York Acorn - now offering opportunities for Secondary School-aged girls.
“Rugby League can be a late development sport, meaning it is never too late for teenagers to get involved.
"I'd also like to express my thanks to all of the Secondary School teachers whose dedication and support make these Festivals possible."
RFL National Education Manager Andrea Murray added: “York RLFC Foundation are doing great work in schools in North Yorkshire, which is a key growth area for us especially on the back of the success of York Valkyrie over the last few seasons.
“Pupils in school should have the opportunity to emulate their heroes on the pitch and become the next Sinead Peach or Liam Harris, and without the work the Foundation are doing, this is much harder for them to achieve.
“Getting a valuable and enjoyable experience of rugby league in school is often the first step into a longer commitment to the sport, and we pass on our thanks to the Foundation staff for creating these opportunities for so many pupils.”
To support the work of the York RLFC Foundation in our community, please email info@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.
If your Secondary School wishes to get involved with one of the York RLFC Foundation's Secondary School Festivals, please email a.prentis@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.
