Service Area Boosts Success In The City

March 2, 2009 by Paul Mc

Proving the popularity of rugby league in Salford and Greater Manchester, Salford Rugby League Service Area have successfully hosted two weekends of trials at The Willows, promoting the game across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, Stockport and Tameside.

Over 400 participants from 18 high schools and 6 clubs, across four age groups, were nominated by teachers, club coaches and development officers who have seen a 100% increase in Under 16’s playing the sport over the last year.

Salford Rugby League Service Area Coordinator, Phil Fitton said:

“We have been overwhelmed with the response to the Service Area Trials.

“So great were the numbers participating that we had to hold a pre trial at Pendleton College before the full trials at the Willows, for the under 12’s and 13’s category.

“I would like to thank the Reds Foundation staff and Alan Hunte as well as everyone who nominated players and made the trials so successful.”

An independent selection committee will now select 4 squads of 20-23 players who will go on to represent Salford Service Area in 5 fixtures throughout May playing other service areas across the country including Wigan and Leigh, Halton, Hull and Yorkshire.

Meanwhile the Service Area are still still recruiting coaching staff for the 2009 campaign and anybody wishing to take part should contact Phil Fitton on 0161 736 5074 (ext 328) or by emailing philip.fitton@pendcoll.ac.uk