Two Belle Isle lads who first worked together collecting glasses at Hunslet Labour Club are now driving the Hunslet Rugby Foundation forwards.
Tyler Finister has recently been appointed as Development Officer, whilst Michael Nuttall has moved up to Foundation Manager. The pair are running a range of activities supporting rugby league in the South Leeds community.
A partnership with the Luke Gale Academy has enabled the Foundation to increase its activities. As well as working with schools and community clubs such as Hunslet Warriors, Hunslet Club Parkside and Beeston Broncos, they are running two clubs aimed at older members of the rugby fraternity and a Touch & Pass activity for the over 40s.
The Monday Club meets weekly, 9:45-11:45am in the Phoenix Bar at South Leeds Stadium. The table tennis table is always out as well as board games and cards. Michael and Tyler are supporting a growing group and encouraging them to use technology with daily check in messages on WhatsApp.
Touch & Pass takes place every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm, at Hunslet Warriors, on the Oval opposite Morrisons. It’s a great way to stay fit and keep in touch with rugby and is open to anyone over 40 to join.
The Friday Breakfast Club is back after taking a break due to the pandemic. It’s a social drop in at the Phoenix Bar, enjoy a bacon butty and a cup of tea between 10am-12pm. Former players are often present so the conversation often turns to rugby down the years, but everyone is welcome.
The Foundation’s latest project is to work with secondary school students who got out of the habit of exercise during lockdown. Return to Play aims to help them get moving and join local community clubs.
Photo: Tyler Finister (left) and Michael Nuttall (right)
