FUNDING has been secured to finance a Community Rugby League Coach for the Selby District, giving a major boost to the development of sport and rugby league in the area. 

The new post has been jointly funded by a range of partner organisations including Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust (WLCT) and the Rugby Football League (RFL). Formed in 2003, WLCT is charitable organisation trust that works in partnership with Selby District Council to deliver a range of leisure services.

The Trust is a registered charity and a social enterprise, which means that any surplus income generated is re-invested in improving facilities and services for the people of the borough. Selby Leisure Services are managed by WLCT in partnership with Selby District Council.

The new full time position will work in conjunction with those partners to develop, deliver and monitor a comprehensive coaching programme in-line with the RFL's strategic objectives in the North Yorkshire Service Area. Robin Bedford, Sports Development Officer for Selby Leisure Services and Nick Settle North Yorkshire Service Area Co-ordinator for the RFL both had a key role in making this new role possible which will be delivered by Adam Prentis.

Adam will be responsible for the delivery of quality rugby league coaching in a variety of settings within the local community contributing to the planning and organisation of rugby league development across the local area. The role will include developing other key areas including Health, Education and Social Inclusion building relationships with partners including schools and colleges, local amateur rugby league clubs and other community sector organisations.

Adam, who was the former York City Knights Development Manager spending five years at the club and also a former student of York St John University, has already previous experience in working with school to club links programmes and in addition managed the Scholarship Programme at the Knights. The newly appointed Community Coach said:

"I was delighted to discover I was successful in application.  The new post presents a new challenge for me and I am look forward to working with my new colleagues, volunteers, and partnering organisations. 

"The three amateur side sides within the area have shown great dedication in both the open age and junior sections, I hope can assist in developing them as a club and increase the number of individuals regularly participating in Rugby League."

For up to date information on events happening in your area including local amateur club information please contact Nick Settle at nicholas.settle@york.gov.uk or visit www.northyorkshirerl.co.uk .