Vikings' summer school at the Auto Quest Stadium proves a big hit with rugby-mad youngsters from all over the borough

NOT even the rain could dampen the spirits of 130 enthusiastic children who attended the Widnes Vikings Super League Summer School earlier this month.

Boys and girls turned up in their droves to learn about all areas of rugby league taught by local amateur coaches, Widnes players and the Vikings' Youth Development Officer John Foran.

The youngsters were taught handling skills, tackling, shields, agility and kicking as well as being put through their paces on two-on-one and three-on-two situations.

The scheme ran for three days and was available for children aged 6-12-years old.

All of the rugby-mad kids received a commemorative Super League Summer School T-shirt and a free meal at MacDonald's each day.

There was also a lucky dip on the final day where the youngsters had the chance to win a variety of prizes including a mini rugby ball, a full size ball and a commemorative Vikings Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final winning jersey.

Vikings Development Officer John Foran was delighted with the success of the three-day event.

He said: "There are so many talented children in the area and it was good to teach them new things and to watch them develop their skills further.

"Each day was different for the youngsters. They spent one day on Leigh Rec, another on the pitch at the Auto Quest Stadium and on one of the days we made an assault course for them at the stadium's gym. All the kids were absolutely brilliant and loved it."

John even received a thank you card from a young Warrington Wolves fan who attended the Vikings' event and thought it was better than his own club's summer school.

John added: "I'd like to thank the Halton Service Area and all of the qualified amateur coaches who gave up their time to support this great event."