Yorkshire Forward teams up with Rugby Football League

22/02/2010

Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward has joined forces with the Rugby Football League (RFL) to help raise the confidence, aspirations and employability of 1,200 teenagers from some of Yorkshire and Humber’s most deprived areas.

The exciting new three year project will use the widespread popularity of Rugby League to develop the leadership and enterprise skills of 14 to 19 year-olds in the region, and is aimed at preventing participants entering the Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) category.

Following a certified course the young people will be provided with opportunities to develop further at their local community Clubmark club as a coach, helper or match official. Volunteering and paid openings may also be available with their local professional club. Clubmark clubs are those that have demonstrated they are committed to providing a safe, effective and child-friendly environment.

The £2million project is funded by £950k from the RFL, £698k from Yorkshire Forward and £420k from 19 other partners, including rugby league clubs and local authorities. 

With the RFL investment ensuring their Headquarters remains in Leeds, the project has ensured the safeguarding of 55 jobs on the Red Hall site. The wider investment has also guaranteed a further five fulltime posts will be created to deliver the scheme.

Chris Thair, RFL Community partnership Manager, commented: “This project is all about employment; investing in the current workforce by safeguarding and creating new jobs, whilst playing a small part in ensuring young people in Yorkshire are better equipped to enter the job market in the future.

“We thank Yorkshire Forward for their investment and recognition that rugby league is well placed to deliver such a programme.

“Many young people will pick up new skills on the short course and be provided with a certificate to boost their CV but the exciting aspect is the signposting and volunteering opportunities available to them towards the end. Mixing with new people, gaining new responsibilities and getting involved with your local community, be it at an event or club, will provide the person with attributes which will prove invaluable at a job interview and throughout life.”

Rugby League clubs are uniquely positioned in the region, with many located in areas of high deprivation and the sport having more top flight and second tier clubs than any other in Yorkshire and Humber. 

Ruth Adams, Assistant Director of Skills at Yorkshire Forward, said: “This programme will use the popularity of the sport and large number of opportunities within rugby league to improve the employability of 14-19 year olds in deprived parts of Yorkshire and Humber.

“The course will help the teenagers develop enterprise and employability skills by undertaking an initial interactive leadership and organisers course, and they will be able to take the skills they learn forward to volunteer and placement positions, which in turn will increase the likelihood of employment in the future.”

The project will build upon the already extensive community work delivered by the RFL, partner Foundations and its member clubs. The activity targets the most deprived 20% of wards across the region.

More information

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact Dan Murphy, Press Manager on 0113 3949904 or email Daniel.murphy@yorkshire-forward.com

Yorkshire Forward

• Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.