The RFL are pleased to share that more than 500 coaches, 20 community foundations, and dozens of community clubs have already engaged with the RFL’s latest coach development offer.
As part of that National programme of coach development, The RFL has recently delivered three workshops for Primary Rugby League coaches, each designed to provide fresh insight, modern coaching concepts, and practical ideas that enhance existing practice.
Each workshop followed a three-part structure:
Play Their Way
The sessions opened with Play Their Way, the Sport England?backed campaign focused on child-centred coaching practice for primary-aged players.
Physical Literacy in Practice
This was followed by content designed by Professor Kevin Till of Leeds Beckett University, who explored how to embed physical literacy into sports coaching through practical planning.
The RFL: Framing the Future of Primary Rugby League
The workshops concluded with the RFL setting out its vision for the future of Primary Rugby League, aligned to the new National Community Rugby League (NCRL) structure.
What’s Next?
Throughout April, the RFL will continue central delivery in collaboration with community foundations. This includes a bespoke workshop for coaches in the female game, with a specific focus on tackle technique. The session will be delivered alongside the England Performance team and will include the opportunity to observe a DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) training session.
Date: Saturday 11th April 2026
Venue: Woodhouse Grove School, BD10 0NR
Times: 9.30am - 11.45am
Register here.
RFL National Development Manager, Dave Raybould, said:
“At the RFL, we know first-hand that coaches play a significant role in supporting the experience of players in our sport, the recent advancement of the NCRL symbolises an evolution of the sport that sees us be able to offer more opportunities like these. The leagues have been instrumental in cascading the workshops to their clubs and coaches and though the engagement levels have been really pleasing, we can already see ways we can evolve and grow again for 2027.
"It is always time well spent being out with clubs and coaches, we get the opportunity to understand challenges and work together on solutions. The latest three workshops have been brilliant, and it is has given us further inspiration to advance the programme in the future.
“Connecting coaches to the core concepts of the NCRL is central to the RFL’s approach to coach education. Attracting more players and enhancing their qualities requires supporting them with more and better coaches. The three mini-conferences in Warrington, Leeds and Hull reflect the commitment and quality of the coaches working across the sport, many of whom are driving impressive work to grow Rugby League and ensure a bright future for all."
RFL Head of Education, Dave Elliot, also said:
“We’re proud of this programme and committed to driving it further.
“It has been a while since we have had this level of engagement with coaches. Part of the strategy since I took up the role leading Rugby League Learning has been to engage directly with coaches through central and partnership-led delivery.
“Kevin Till has long been an advocate of Rugby League and his influence in shaping the future is huge for us. Signing the Play Their Way pledge is another commitment to using innovation and child?centred concepts in our delivery of the sport.
“In parallel, we are working closely with community foundations through development plans and have now impacted over 500 coaches across the game. It is a programme we are very proud of and one we will continue to improve.”
