York RLFC Foundation announce the launch of Junior sections as part of North Yorkshire development plan

The York RLFC Foundation entered into a partnership with the Rugby Football League (RFL) for a project aimed at growing North Yorkshire rugby league in February, with the shared belief that the region has significant potential for growth.

This partnership has enabled the York RLFC Foundation to create and support playing opportunities in Harrogate, Scarborough, and Selby.

The Foundation's work has already started in Harrogate and Selby before being set to expand into Scarborough and beyond from 2025.

All three sites aim to launch with Primary School-aged Junior sides, helping youngsters to become more involved in rugby league with new opportunities available to them.

In Selby, the Foundation has managed to expand delivery doubling the number of primary schools receiving their in-school curriculum offer whilst aiding the launch of a new Community Club, Raiders Rugby League, within the Selby District based in Riccall due to launch on Tuesday 4th June.

In Harrogate, the focus is on supporting the Harrogate Hawks, a community rugby league team. The aim here, is to strengthen the club's off-field operations and launch a new Junior section.

The Foundation has been working in Primary Schools in Harrogate this half-term to promote this new Junior section due to launch on Wednesday 5th June.

York RLFC Foundation Community Coach Mark Prangnell, who has been leading this project said: “So far, we have engaged with over 500 Primary School-aged children in both Harrogate and Selby and there has been a lot of interest shown in the new Junior sections due to launch in both these areas.

"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.”

As part of the ongoing North Yorkshire Rugby League Development Plan, the Foundation have announced two free taster sessions aimed at expanding Primary Rugby League.

The next phase will be to guide new players to the nearest taster session, with one session in Riccall, and the other across in Harrogate delivered in partnership with Harrogate Hawks.

Following these taster sessions, the Foundation will hold weekly community sessions at the same venues on a weeknight. Theirgoal is to significantly grow the game in each region, paving the way for an expanded Primary Rugby League festival for emerging clubs.

York RLFC Foundation's free Holiday taster sessions:

Tuesday 28th May - Riccall Regen Centre, Landing Lane, Riccall. YO19 6PW (10am – 12pm)

Wednesday 29th May- The Jim Saynor Ground, Station View, Harrogate. HG2 7JA (10am – 12pm)

Places are limited, so booking is essential!

For more information on any of the above and to book your child on one of our free holiday sessions in either Selby or Harrogate, please email foundation@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.