Major Partnership for Rugby League in Manchester

Rugby league in Manchester is set to benefit over the next few years thanks to an innovative partnership between four major partners in the city.

The Manchester College, The Rugby Football League (RFL), Manchester City Council and Mancunians RL have agreed a joint approach to provide new rugby league opportunities for the Manchester community.

The relationship will see a full time rugby league community coach employed by The Manchester College to increase rugby league participation in Manchester and The Manchester College develop a rugby league academy in partnership with Mancunians RL.

The coach will deliver rugby league activity in schools, colleges, universities and community organisations in Manchester and deliver Mancunians RL’s community development strategy as the city begins to prepare for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and as Mancunians RL prepare to apply for admission into the Co-operative Championships in 2015.

The four partners are also working closely to offer volunteer opportunities for The Manchester College’s students across 15 centres and to offer initiatives including touch rugby & rugby league leaders awards.

Barry Atkins Curriculum Lead Manager of The Manchester College said: “The Manchester College is one of Europe’s largest and most successful colleges and we are looking forward to be able to offer rugby league across the 15 centres in the city of Manchester.

“We already offer football, basketball and cricket academies and rugby league with its very similar demographic to The Manchester College, was a natural addition to our offer. I look forward to seeing our learners, both male and female, embracing what is an exciting and dynamic sport.” He added.

Stefan Hopewell, Chairman of Mancunians RL said: “It’s a reflection of the hard work that the staff and volunteers have put in at Mancunians that we are able to announce this exciting partnership.

“For Mancunians RL, which is yet to celebrate its second birthday, to be able to enter into a partnership with institutions such as The Manchester College, Manchester City Council and the Rugby Football League simply underscores the potential for both Mancunians RL and rugby league in Manchester.” He said.

“We’re determined to build a club which reflects the size and stature of the UK’s second city and everyone at Mancunians RL is looking forward to a fruitful relationship with our new partners”. He added.