Leeds Rhinos Community Site

The Leeds Rhinos community team deliver a comprehensive and professional rugby league programme within both primary and secondary schools within Leeds and surrounding areas. The Rhinos schools programme comprises of two main elements: Ronnie the Rhino Assemblies and coaching assistance.

Ronnie Rhino Assemblies

The Ronnie Rhino assemblies are centred round healthy lifestyles and winning teams. Jonny Wainhouse, Leeds Rhinos’ Community Development Officer, this year alone has visited no less than 50 primary schools delivering to over 12,500 students as part of St Mary’s partnership and Rodillian partnership. In addition, Laura Clarke, Leeds Rhinos’ Girls and Women’s Development Officer, is working closely with Secondary Schools in Leeds where Rugby League is not traditionally played amongst girls. Areas visited include: Rothwell, Yeadon, kirkstall, Morley, Drighlington, Morley and Beeston.

Ronnie the Rhino accompanies the pair in schools to help deliver the Rhinos’ Assembly, bringing it to life through fun and engaging techniques.

Coaching

The Leeds Rhinos community team also go out in curricular time to teach children the basics of rugby league.

Jonny Wainhouse is responsible for introducing the game to Primary Schools through teaching the children tag rugby, the non contact version of the game.

The Rhinos’ coaching programme lasts for 5 weeks and at the end of the course all participating schools in that area are invited to a festival held at their local amateur club. This year festivals have taken place at Harehills Pigeons, Guiseley Rangers, Drighlington, Oulton Raiders, Beeston Broncos and Milford.

Laura Clarke works predominately in Senior Schools teaching girls the core fundamental skills of the game with the aim of enthusing girls to participate in sport and to increase the take up of the game amongst girls. Laura also runs after school clubs which are proving to be very popular, averaging over 20 girls at each club. Laura has worked in the following schools this year: Carr Manor, South Leeds, Bruntcliffe, Cockburn, Boston Spa, Priesthorpe, Wortley and Crawshaw. All participating schools are invited to take part in the Carnegie Champion School’s competition, a national Rugby League competition for girls. In addition all girls who complete the 5 week programme receive the Bronze Rugby League Skill Award.

If your school is interested in getting involved in the Leeds Rhinos’ Schools Programme (Yorkshire schools only) contact:

Jonny Wainhouse (Primary Schools) 0113 2399142 or email jonny.wainhouse@leedsrugby.com

Laura Clarke (Women’s and Girl’s Rugby) 0113 2399146 or email laura.clarke@leedsrugby.com