Players wanted for new Rugby Centre of Excellence
Halifax are looking for aspiring players to join the Rugby Centre of Excellence at Calderdale College, enabling students to play rugby alongside their studies.
It is part of a new RFL initiative to introduce a pathway from grass roots to the elite level, and the college is looking to recruit 32 players who will be able to study any course they choose and have the flexibility to attend professional training sessions and matches.
Youngster Callum Dunne, currently in and around the first team squad at Halifax, is one success story of the partnership, combining his fledgling rugby league career alongside a BTEC Qualification in Sport at Calderdale College.
He said: “Halifax RLFC really enabled me to enjoy my studies and keep on playing Rugby, which I already loved. I got the opportunity to play in some national finals with the Under 20s and I still got to go to College and get a qualification. I found studying at Calderdale College really fun and the tutors were always helpful whenever I had any problems.”
“I know that playing Rugby professionally is not an easy thing to do, but I do feel like I’ve had a very good start. If that doesn’t work out for me, I would love to go in to the coaching side of Rugby League, or even work in the community.”
Halifax stand-off Scott Murrell has just been appointed as the new rugby league coach at Calderdale College.
He said: “I’m ecstatic to be involved in the new partnership between Calderdale College and the Club. It’s definitely a big change for me, but I’m confident I can use my playing knowledge of Rugby League; amateur, semi-professional and full time, to widen the students’ skillsets. The job role is similar to a lot of community initiatives and coaching sessions I’ve been a part of before, and I’m glad to be getting more involved in the community side of rugby again.”
For more information or to apply for a place at the Rugby Centre of Excellence – Halifax RLFC Performance Pathway, please call 01422 399 316 or email admissions@calderdale.ac.uk