Three of Hull FC’s junior Wheelchair Rugby League players have been selected for the England Wheelchair Rugby League Future Programme.
Joshua Mackenzie, Anna Mackenzie, and Belle Blakeston, all of whom are participants for the club’s junior wheelchair side have all been selected to feature in the programme – part of the pathway for the national team.
The club’s junior wheelchair side is one of four within the club’s Wheelchair Rugby League pathway.
Hull FC Wheelchair Head Coach, Mike Swainger, said: “It’s an honour to be asked to be a part of the England futures Programme – I’m so proud of our juniors that have been selected to join the pathway.
“They just love to play the sport and always are looking at ways to improve their game – they all work hard in training and deserve the opportunity they have been given.”
Wheelchair Rugby League Chair, Martin Coyd, added: “This is tremendous progress for the game as we continue to build off a couple of decades of hard work and a fantastic World Cup which was a launchpad for growth.
“We now have over 50 teams and have recently been joined by Batley Bulldogs and Castleford Tigers who have begun training in the past couple of weeks.
“Tom Coyd and Dave Banks, the England Coaches, have been driving the pathway and recognise the importance of providing opportunities for everybody. The international players of the future will come from this and we are putting a structure in place to create something special.
“It’s not only for players, it’s for coaches and match officials too. The sessions will be delivered by coaches who participated at the beginning of the year and will provide a progress route for them. Match officials will be working with the players at Sheffield and take control of the games in Wigan.”
STORY SPONSOR
