Engage Super League clubs have announced an exciting initiative that will provide valuable support for community Rugby League clubs across the Midlands in 2010 – including Telford.
Building on the rapid growth in playing numbers seen in the Midlands region over the last few years, UK-based Engage Super League clubs will be paired with a specific club to help grow their junior teams in time for the Midlands summer season.
The partnerships will see Super League community staff and possibly players spend at least one day with their partner club in places such as Telford.
Telford Raiders Chairman Fred Baker has reacted positively to the imitative.
He said: “This is a great step forward for Rugby League in the Midlands by strengthening our links with Super League we are creating a clear pathway for player development and providing some of the bright young talent throughout the Midlands with the opportunity to play the game at the highest standard.”
With the prospect of being supported by a Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, or any of the other games most famous names and the new season just around the corner there is certainly a lot to get excited about as the Telford Raiders prepare for their new season.
RFL Community Partnership Manager, Chris Thair said: “Unlike their counterparts in the Rugby League heartland, few community clubs in the Midlands benefit from the profile and community work of their local professional club. “We are grateful to the Engage Super League Clubs and their partner Foundations, who run the community work on the clubs’ behalf, for agreeing to assist the clubs in the Midlands who don’t have a professional club on their doorstep.
“Many Engage Super League clubs have already formed rewarding partnerships with clubs many miles from where they are located and we hope to replicate this as a collective body.”
RFL Midlands Regional Manager David Butler added: “This will provide a huge boost to clubs in the region by helping them recruit and retain players in readiness for the new season and supporting the invaluable work of the Midland based coaches and volunteers.
“Engage Super League has huge nationwide appeal and we will work together in harnessing that power for the benefit of all.” In addition to widening the pool of Rugby League talent across the region, the plans will also give Engage Super
League clubs the opportunity to run their eye over some potential elite players.
“The signing of former Leicester Phoenix and Bristol Sonics player Michael Coady by Leeds Rhinos shows that there are talented players out there who can play our game at the top level” said Butler. “This programme will give all those players without a professional Rugby League Club on their doorstep an opportunity to get to the top of our game.”
For more details on the Telford Raiders and how to get involved with the club at any level log on to www.telfordraiders.com
