Wigan partner with Devon Sharks
The Wigan Warriors Community Foundation have announced a new club partnership with Devon Sharks RLFC.
The partnership will see a joint approach to developing Rugby League in the South West and help to promote excellence across all coaches, teachers, volunteers and players who are involved.
The Warriors, together with Devon Sharks, will start by delivering the Embed the Pathway Teacher CPD programme to a number of schools next month.
“We continually strive to develop participation and standards in Rugby League across the UK,” Steve McCormack, Wigan Warriors Coach Education and Development Manager, said.
“The Sharks have some exciting plans to develop the game in the South West of England and we believe, with our support, we can introduce and develop the sport and aim to create a more sustainable talent pool for all areas of the game.
“Our first aim is to deliver the Embed The Pathway Teacher CPD programme to a number of schools in February.
“The long-term goal is to get schools who deliver Embed The Pathway within their Key Stage 3 curriculum to come together under the banners of Devon Sharks RLFC, Wigan Warriors, the Devon Sports Partnership and The RFL for a series of festivals and playing opportunities, that link to the Youth Sports Trust School Games offer with the opportunity of a National Final being played as a part of the Magic Weekend.”
Anthony Atherton, RFL National Talent Development Officer, said it is great that a club with such a high standing in the game recognises the importance of geographical expansion.
“Wigan Warriors Community Foundation will be a huge asset for the Embed the Pathway programme in Devon,” Atherton said.
“We look forward to supporting both clubs in growing the talent pool within the sport by opening new opportunities for players. We may one day see a player from Devon in Super League and with these first steps the pathway becomes real!”
Phil Johnson, Director of Rugby at Devon Sharks added: “Devon Sharks RLFC are multiple winners of the South West league and will be shortly entering our tenth year as a club.
“After the recent success of the Super 8s and England RL against the Kiwis, it only seemed natural to develop Rugby League in Devon within the schools as part of Embed The Pathway and work with arguably the most famous Rugby League club, Wigan Warriors.
“We have big ambitions as a club and we want to help develop the next generation of Sharks players.
“May be one day, the next Wigan Warriors or England player. Kevin Sinfield’s recognition at the 2015 Sports Personality of the Year just shows hard work and commitment in Rugby League can pay off.”
