Local school children enjoy RL introduction

Matt Carbutt, of the Batley Sports Association and head of sport at Batley Parish Junior School, organised a year six rugby league festival.

The aim was to increase participation of rugby league in schools in Batley and Dewsbury.

Some schools were introduced to rugby for the first time, while others had chance to practice for the Sainsbury’s school games festival, to be held in Kirklees next year.

Batley Parish, Batley Grammar School, Howard Park, Mill Lane, St Patricks, Holy Spirit, Chickenley, Ravensthorpe and St Joseph’s were all represented at the festival.

Matt worked in association with Huddersfield Giants development officer James Westerby leading up to and on the day of the festival, following a successful school coaching programme over the last year.

The festival was a huge success with enjoyment for the children and a large number of spectators attended the event. There was positive feedback from the children, parents and teachers.

Matt and James are already planning to expand the number of schools and teams.

James Westerby said: “The schools coaching programme is part of the Sky Try initiative through the Rugby Football League.

“The aim is to build closer links between rugby league foundations, schools and community clubs and get more children playing rugby league, having fun, getting active and growing in confidence and helps them find playing opportunities from school teams to local community clubs.”