August 18, 2017

SkyTry Programme Flying High with Wakefield Trinity Community Department

As we enter year 4 of the SkyTry programme, we are delighted to have again successfully been awarded maximum SkyTry funding and will be able to continue grow the game of Rugby League around Wakefield & district.

SkyTry is all about helping more children enjoy Rugby League. It’s a ground breaking partnership initiative between the RFL, Sky and the Rugby League Foundations.

Sky Try is the biggest ever programme of Rugby League opportunities in primary and secondary schools and is helping 700,000 more children and young people have fun, get active, grow in confidence and enjoy Rugby League.

The Sky Try campaign inspires children and young people through Wakefield Trinity RLFC and major Rugby League events. Sky Try is changing the future of Rugby League by giving hundreds of thousands of children and young people a high quality introduction to the sport and helping them to find more playing local opportunities – from school teams to local community clubs and the award-winning England Talent Pathway.

The Rugby Football Leagues SkyTry Programme Manager, Tracy Power commented, “Wakefield Community Trust have had a great year of Sky Try delivery, introducing more young people to Rugby League. Their Big Games Bigger initiative, which involves giving young people from local community clubs and schools the opportunity to be part of Wakefield Trinity games, has been a huge success.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many children involved in pre-match & half-time festivals and having fun playing and watching our sport. The community team have worked really hard on their Sky Try delivery this year and I’m looking forward to working with them on next year’s programme”.

Wakefield Trinity’s Community Manager, James Stephenson said, “We have had a super year delivering the SkyTry programme in schools and at community clubs, we have seen our highest numbers in terms of match day participation with the Big Games Bigger initiative throughout this season.

“It is so rewarding to see the smiles on faces as we are able to offer these fantastic opportunities to both primary and secondary aged school children. We have over 40 primary schools, 10 secondary schools and 16 community clubs now engaged with the programme and we are seeing a healthy increase all round in playing & participation numbers.

“The great partnerships that we have fostered with our schools & clubs in recent years and the close relationship we have with Tracy Power (RFL) has really given us the chance to put our foundation back on the map and I would personally like to thank you all for been a huge part of this”.

The Sky Try programme is made up of four main pillars, each with specific targets.

SKY TRY PRIMARY RUGBY LEAGUE:

Delivered in clusters of primary schools around selected community clubs and is focused on 7/8/9 year olds (Key Stage 2). Each primary school receives a minimum of 5 weeks consecutive coaching, followed by a next steps event such as a special assembly or participation festival. All primary teachers in the Sky Try project are offered continuing professional development (CPD) to enable them to continue to promote Rugby League as an activity in their school. We work with the local community clubs through our ambassador programme to help upskill coaches at Primary Rugby League age groups through coach development CPD.

SKY TRY LOCAL SCHOOL COMPETITION AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

Aimed at increasing local opportunities for secondary school boys to play Rugby League, either for the first time or to assist in providing more regular opportunities for students at Key Stage 3 (year 7 – 9 boys) to play. We offer CPD workshops for secondary school teachers that allows their school to become an accredited Talent Pathway Development School, along with CPD for our community coaches at local clubs of U12-U14 to help young players stay and succeed in Rugby League.

SKY TRY PLAY TOUCH:

A 6 week Touch Rugby League workout project aimed at increasing the number of girls participating at Key Stage 3 and 4 (12 – 15). It is focused on fun activity and growing of confidence.

BIG GAMES BIGGER:

Sky Try participants receive unique opportunities to take part at major events from Super League games and Magic Weekend. The inspiration of professional Rugby League players and clubs is helping grow the number of children, young people and family spectators at Wakefield Trinity matches and RFL major events.

If you would like to get involved with our SkyTry programme then please email: james.stephenson@wakefieldtrinity.com

#NewBeginnings