LATCHFORD Giants are preparing for their second year as a new rugby league club based at Victoria Park Arena.

They have added an under 18s team to their portfolio, with coaching led by Tom Wray and support provided by Steve Parry and Matt Wilkinson.

Their team joins a junior and youth section featuring sides from cubs level through to under 16s.

Training starts in mid-January for seasons that run between February and October in the North West Counties League.

Giants secretary Andy Mallows Wood said: “Latchford Giants are still a growing club and are looking for new players at all age groups for children from aged four to 18 to be part of what is a family club.

“If interested, please pop down to training on Tuesdays between 6pm and 8pm on Victoria Park. We would love to see you.”

Latchford Giants Cubs, for players aged four to seven, was launched at the start of 2016.

With more than 60 children attending the Saturday morning sessions, and the year ending with a Christmas Party and presentation at which all players received a trophy, season one was considered a huge success.

“This is a very important area for us,” said Wood.

“These are the stars of the future and it’s fantastic to watch them learning and enjoying their first experience at a rugby club.”

The Cubs start training again on Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am at Victoria Park and parents are invited to pop along with any interested youngsters.

Wood, reflecting on the club’s first year following a ‘breakaway’ from the long-standing Latchford Albion ARLFC, pointed to highlights that included a visit and coaching masterclass by former England captain Kevin Sinfield, the appointment of former Wire player Peter Cannon Snr as president and the arrival of Warrington Wolves Foundation community coach Lee Mitchell as ambassador.

Club players also picked up several awards last year.

In the Warrington Wolves Man of Steel Awards, recognising accomplishment in the grassroots game, Giants’ Billy Cannon was crowned Under 13s Man of Steel and received further recognition as North West Counties Player of the Year at the age group, while Lloyd Wright was also nominated at under 14s level.

Ian Mercer, manager for three teams in the under eights age group, won a Wolves Man of Steel Community Hero Award.

For further information about playing or volunteering at Latchford Giants contact Andy Mallows Wood by email on andywood3621@gmx.co.uk