Successful Lions Development Festival brings together more than 170 players

More than 170 players from across the country participated in a Lions Development Programme (LDP) Festival on Wednesday 28 October at Oulton Raiders RLFC.

The player development festival was designed to challenge Under 15 and Under 16 players through small-sided games featuring modified playing laws, testing them in different ways to the traditional format of the game.

Teams were restricted to a maximum of two players in a tackle. This resulted in quicker play-the-balls, increasing the speed of the game and requiring players to make decisions with less time available. As a result, players were challenged to sharpen their decision-making skills. Limiting tackles to two defenders also placed greater emphasis on defenders executing strong and effective tackle techniques.

To further increase the pace of the game, scrums were removed. Following the concession of a try, teams immediately restarted with a tap-20 restart, eliminating any opportunity for coaches to conduct a debrief before play resumed.

LDP delivery partners represented on the day included Castleford Tigers, Doncaster RLFC, Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Wakefield Trinity and Park View Academy from the North East.

The festival also showcased excellent behaviours from coaches and staff, which in turn encouraged exemplary sideline conduct from parents and spectators throughout the day.

National Development Manager David Raybould commented:

"We would like to thank all those who participated in the player development festival as we continue to grow alternative playing formats that can help retain more players in the sport and develop the talent that we have. The fast-paced games prove really popular with coaches and players alike, as they are tested in a way that differs from the weekly 13-a-side version of the sport.

“The increased involvement certainly works the players hard as they move more and move quicker than they would in the traditional format.

“The small-sided games we used are set by Paul Anderson (Head of Male Pathways) and are also used on our Scholarship and Academy Programmes.

“We hope the players can take the learnings from these player development festivals, and the associated coaching programme that precedes the day, and apply them back into the 13-a-side game."

Photo Credit: James Sharp – Sharp Shots Photography