Schools rugby league development 'must continue' - despite cuts (From Warrington Guardian)

Schools rugby league development 'must continue' - despite cuts

12:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News

THE man behind schools rugby league development in the town says the programme will continue despite Government and RFL funding cuts.

Neil Kelly is director of the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation which runs coaching programmes and development programems across the town.

But with the RFL losing £10m in grassroots funding from Sport England, the money which funded the scheme in Warrington has been cut.

The foundation is starting its bid to raise the £50,000 needed to keep the coaches in employment with a bucket collection ahead of the Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers match on Sunday.

And Mr Kelly says he is positive for the future.

“We will get the money, there is no doubt about that.

“As a sport, we are at a crucial point where we could kick on and become bigger, or risk shrinking and falling away.

“But I believe in talking our great game up and being positive and so with the World Cup coming this year, we have a fantastic chance to make a real difference and provide a lasting legacy.”

Mr Kelly, a former rugby league development officer, says he has already had support from the business community to carry on the work but more money will be needed.

He added: “When fans come to the game, they see Chris Riley from Penketh High, Mike Cooper from Bridgewater, Tyrone McCarthy from Lysander.

“And they were started by our youth programmes so it is vital that they continue.

“Everyone is touched by what happens here, it is at the heart of the town. Whether they come to the game or not, they know the club and what it stands for.

“So there is no use having a blame culture. We are where we are, but we will make this happen. We are fighting and we want this.”

To get involved in fundraising call the Foundation on 248880 or visit the website.