AMBITIOUS amateur club Burtonwood Bridge will be led into the 2013 season by John Stankevitch.

The Rochdale Hornets director, and former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain back rower, is now in place as the coach co-ordinator of the club’s two open-aged teams and a new under 18s side.

Bridge are putting to good use the vast experience of Stankevitch, who has previously coached Widnes Vikings, Doncaster, and Rochdale.

They are also tapping into his business and marketing acronym, helping the club strengthen and develop its foundations and status within the community.

He will be working alongside head coaches Lee Cunningham (first team), Gary Maddocks (second team) and Stu Worsley (under 18s).

Bridge, who have just celebrated their silver anniversary, are a progressive club.

They have developed two senior teams and a blooming junior section in the form of Burtonwood Bulldogs, who are represented at almost every age group.

Bulldogs have also earned the recognition of ‘clubmark gold’ status by the Rugby Football League and have recently been awarded a ‘regional focus’ club title.

Laying the platform for an under 18s team for the first time in three years will create a direct link between the junior and open age sections.

The club will be starting its pre-season training on Saturday, January 5 and they are looking to recruit players and coaches. Call Lee Cunningham on 07905446764 for details.

Bridge are constantly searching for business and sporting organisations that they can develop working links with.

Call business and marketing manager David Archer on 07854 990635 for more information.