Being active takes so many forms and means assorted things to different people. South Leeds is full of ways that all ages can move, have fun and find something that feels good for them. Every month we will take a deeper dive into a different activity, and we’ll explore the ways that someone could get involved. We start this month with Rugby League.
Rugby League has strong Yorkshire heritage, originating here after splitting from Rugby Union in 1895. It can be a fast moving and entertaining sport.
The main aim is for a team to score tries by advancing the oval ball down the pitch, whilst the opposing team tries to prevent through a limited number of tackles. Players are allowed to run forward, kick the ball and chase it down, and pass backwards.
South Leeds also has its very own professional rugby league club called Hunslet Rugby League Football Club, based at John Charles Centre for Sport (LS11 5DJ) which welcomes new people of all ages to come along and experience the atmosphere of a game (www.hunsletrlfc.com).
The club has a Foundation charitable arm doing good stuff across the South Leeds community, working with schools, community, health and education utilising the benefits of the sport for good.
To play there’s lots of ways to get involved. Hunslet Warriors have recently merged with Hunslet Club Parkside – the new team delivers sessions for all ages from rugby tots through to open age www.hunsletarlfc.com.
Club Spotlight: Beeston Broncos
We caught up with Darrell from Beeston Broncos to find out more about the game and the club.
What are the benefits rugby can bring?
There’s so many. It’s a social team sport and a good way to make friends. It promotes discipline, character building, respect and team work. It’s a great sport for fitness, and developing fundamental skills. The main thing though is it fun.
Where is Beeston Broncos?
We’re tucked just behind Lane End Primary School and the Northcotes, in a great spot between Holbeck and Beeston Hill. We have a small building and a large green space with pitches on that we use for training and matches.
What age group sessions do you run weekly sessions for?
This year we’re really keen to concentrate on building a couple of our junior sections:
We’re launching a new Under 7s group, which we’d love to welcome new kids to. At this age boys and girls can come and play together. All children welcome.
We’re holding a launch event on Saturday 11 March at 10:30am – children can come and join in some fun games and find out more.
In April this new age group will move to weeknights as the evenings get lighter. Children will be able to attend training on a Tuesday 6-7pm and/or Thursday 6-7pm.
We also have a boys session for Years 6 and 7 every Tuesday and/or Thursday 6–7pm, young people can attend one or both sessions each week.
There will be festival game opportunities for those children who want to start to experience games.
Do you have to book, or can people just turn up?
People are welcome to just turn up, but they are welcome to contact us and we’ll answer any questions. We are on Facebook and Twitter, or text the coach on 07447 098068 or e-mail beestonbroncos @googlemail.com
Who are the coaches?
I’m Darrell and have lived in the area all my life. I’ve always played rugby but started volunteering and coaching with the club about 11 years ago. We’re supported by Andy who’s been part of the club for about 7 years. We’ve also strong links with Aidan, development officer from Hunslet Rugby Foundation. He happens to be my son, who came up through the ranks at Beeston Broncos, before becoming the club’s first player to get a professional contract with Castleford Tigers before getting injured. All coaches are passionate about what we do. We’re all fully qualified and DBS checked.
Do children have to have played before?
Anyone is welcome, whether they’ve played before or new to the game. We’re keen to welcome new children and young people to come and experience all the sport has to offer. We always start with the basics. We’ll cover fundamental skills through fun games. The main aim is for everyone to leave after having a good time. The rugby skills creep in to what we do and before they know it the kids are playing a game.
How much are sessions?
All training is free. We want it to be as inclusive as possible. We provide playing kit for matches. For training children can wear whatever is comfy. If footwear is an issue just talk to us and we’ll see how we can support.
What does a typical weekly session look like?
Training sessions involve small sided games, moving around, getting active – having fun with a few fun skills thrown in to develop passing and kicking for example.
A training field full of kids having fun creates a great atmosphere. It’s great to be a part of.
This post was written by Karen Peck
Photo: Young Broncos in action in 2019
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