In a different league

Wakefield College, in partnership with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, has announced the launch of an exciting new venture that will enhance the prospects of young rugby league players of college age throughout the region.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Website

From September this year, a new Rugby League Development Centre (RLDC), to be based at the College’s Thornes Park Campus, will provide players who have the necessary ability, commitment, good attitude and dedication, with an opportunity to progressively improve their playing and coaching ability, whilst studying on a full-time course at the College.

The RLDC will combine a place on an academic course with professional coaching, with students spending at least nine hours of their studies each week on specific Rugby League training, delivered by the Wildcats.

Students will gain recognised qualifications, such as the BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, and be treated as full-time professionals in terms of their training regime – no more running round a field on cold, dark wintry nights! They will also benefit from guest lectures delivered by those at the pinnacle of the sport, and will have the opportunity to obtain RFL coaching and refereeing awards.

Nick Young, Coordinator of the RLDC at the College, explained, “Not all players will go on to make it in the professional game, and even if they do, it can be a short career. This initiative will help to give them the best chance possible, as there are clear progression routes into playing professional Rugby League and/or coaching, but it will also give them the skills and qualifications to have other career options to fall back on.”

Alistair Black, Sports Science lecturer, said that a number of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Academy players were already signed up for the RLDC. “But we are not just aiming at potential professionals. The players will remain involved with their amateur clubs and that should have a knock-on effect throughout the local game.” One of the aims of the Centre will be to raise the standard of Rugby League in the region.

Pete Riding, Head Coach, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the clubs and players at grass roots level, and it is also very exciting in terms of progression into the professional ranks. The players already with the Wildcats Academy should improve markedly with the levels of coaching they will receive, but the initiative may also allow us to unearth the ‘late developer’ who may not have been noticed at amateur level. Paul Newlove for example came into the game very late.”

A range of full-time courses in the Sport and Public Services sector are available at the College, catering for all academic abilities and students studying on any of these courses are eligible for a place in the RLDC. For more information contact Nick Young on 01924 789814.

ENDS