RFL and York RLFC Foundation Partner to Drive Rugby League Growth in North Yorkshire
The Rugby Football League (RFL) and the York RLFC Foundation have joined forces to drive the growth of rugby league across North Yorkshire. The partnership, established in February, aims to create and support new playing opportunities in Harrogate, Scarborough, and Selby, regions the organizations believe have significant potential for the sport’s development.
The Foundation’s work has already begun in Harrogate and Selby, with plans to expand into Scarborough and beyond from 2025. The initiative focuses on launching Primary School-aged Junior sides, encouraging young players to get involved in rugby league and providing them with new opportunities.
In Selby, the Foundation has doubled the number of primary schools receiving its in-school curriculum, while also aiding the launch of a new Community Club, Raiders Rugby League, in the Selby District. The Foundation’s focus in Harrogate is on supporting the Harrogate Hawks, a community rugby league team, by strengthening the club’s off-field operations and launching a new Junior section.
“North Yorkshire is a major potential growth area for Rugby League, and the interest already shown in both Harrogate and Selby from our popular in-school curriculum programme bodes well for the launch of these two new Community Clubs.”
- Mark Prangnell, the York RLFC Foundation Community Coach leading the project
As part of their ongoing development plan, the Foundation has announced two free taster sessions aimed at expanding Primary Rugby League in Riccall and Harrogate. Following these sessions, the Foundation will hold weekly community sessions at the same venues to further grow the sport in each region, paving the way for an expanded Primary Rugby League festival for emerging clubs.
The partnership between the RFL and the York RLFC Foundation is a strategic move to capitalize on the significant potential for rugby league growth in North Yorkshire, with a focus on engaging young players and establishing new community-based clubs.
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