19-year old Hull FC Academy graduate Lennon Bursell is trying to make a name for himself on the Rugby League field, but he is also giving back to the local community by taking up work in the care sector.
A two-time play-off semi-finalist with Hull FC’s Academy in 2022 and 2023, the back-rower made the step up to the first-team squad for pre-season ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Strong outings for the Reserves in the first half of the season lined up a loan move to Newcastle Thunder in League One, where he is currently playing alongside fellow Academy graduate Mackenzie Harman.
But away from the Rugby League field, Bursell has been taking the time to follow in the footsteps of his family, by taking up a small role in the care sector.
He looks after a young boy, who is a big Hull FC fan, often taking him out to take part in fun activities.
Speaking to hullfc.com as part of a special Hull&Proud Week feature, Bursell explained the role and how rewarding it can be to make a difference.
“It’s something that I love doing. It’s a nice feeling and it makes me happy to see other people feeling happy,” he said.
“Just seeing him with a buzzing smile on his face when he sees me in a morning, and how happy he is to talk to me about Rugby League, is a brilliant feeling.
“Plus, the parents are both massive Hull FC fans, so they’re always really supportive of me.
“We’ll go and do loads of different activities together. We’ve been swimming a few times and more recently we’ve been to play golf at the driving range. It’s just good for both of us to get out of the house and be active.
“I don’t really look at it as a job anymore and it’s like having a little brother. Like his parents, he’s a massive FC fan, so we got along from day one.
“He’s also really close with a few of the other FC players, who are great with him. For example, Logan Moy took time out of his day to come for a walk with us on East Park recently – he didn’t have to do that but it shows how down to earth he is.”
Caring is something that has been in the family, and Bursell has taken inspiration from those around him.
“My mum is into the caring sector – she looks after a young girl once a week – so it was something I picked up through the family,” he explained.
“My full family have always looked after people who have been in need. My nana also looks after my auntie who has cerebral palsy.
“So it’s always really been in the family and I’ve always wanted to dabble in it. When the opportunity came up to do some caring work, I thought it would be a good idea to give it a go.
“It’s a perfect balance with my rugby and caring work. The company I work for are very flexible around the fact that I’m playing for Hull FC – normally I do a shift on a Sunday which is usually a day off for us.
“Like I said, it’s something I love doing and I’m really glad I got into it in the first place. It’s so rewarding, and it’s something I can see myself continuing to do.”
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