St Helens named first professional 'Listening Club' at Safeguarding Conference

Over 100 attendees from across the Rugby League world turned out at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday at the Annual Safeguarding Conference.

In front of representatives from across Cumbria, Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West, Rugby Football League President Andy Burnham opened the conference with a welcome address which paid tribute to the game's 'unsung heroes' - Club Welfare Officers.

Colin Bland, CEO of Sporting Chance, also spoke passionately about the affects of abuse on individuals and delegates, as Andy Burnham and RFL Vice-President Pat Crawshaw presented Listening Club Certificates to 12 clubs.

Robert Hicks gave a Case Review for 2018 and Kelly Barrett updated on 'Enjoy the Game' and First Aid.

RFL Safeguarding Manager Colette Eden said: The afternoon was all about CWOs working together to look at our resources, website and networking ideas.

"Before we asked clubs to pledge to the Listening Club, Salford City Roosters gave an excellent presentation on their listening sessions - some really interesting stuff and some great feedback from their young people too.

"It is good to see so many people engaged in such vital work for the game."

St Helens also became the first professional club to receive a listening certificate. Pictured above is Steve Leonard, receiving the certificate from Andy Burnham and Pat Crawshaw.