Skirlaugh
Forty/20 League, and eventually was
installed as the Vice Chairman’s role.”
The Role
“Since the concept of amateur rugby
league turning to a summer game it
has also seen dwindling participation
numbers, although we work hard at
Skirlaugh to always run two open age
sides, it is hard work at times attracting
players and retaining them, although
we have a vibrant youth section fielding
thirteen teams.
Finances are always a very important
factor as it is a very costly business and
we are eternally grateful to our loyal
sponsors for their backing of the club.
Equally so throughout the year we
have to raise monies through various
functions which helps.”
Atmosphere
“The atmosphere at the club is very
positive and we are building more solid
foundations and looking to the future,
which is mainly due to the hard work
of Head Coach Lee ‘Troggs’ Roberts and
his dedicated coaching staff. The General
Committee also work very hard so that
the players are well looked after, which
makes the club a very happy ship at
present.”
Present
“2018 generally went as we would
have expected although we set our sights
on reaching the play off’s which did not
happen as we finished just outside the
required league position. However, we
went into the season consolidating the
club and we certainly achieved that and
are far stronger for it.
Once again we are targeting the
Division One play off’s in 2019 in what
is a really strong league this season with
some outstanding teams all competing
for a place in the National Conference
League Premier Division.
We have a really young reserve
grade, the Skirlaugh Bulls, playing in
the Yorkshire Men’s League and our
aim is to bring them on and see them
challenging for First Team selection,
which has happened already, which
makes us stronger.”
Youth
“Without any shadow of doubt
youth development is probably the most
important factor in the club and we field
thirteen youth teams, starting with the
Skirlaugh Shrimps at Under 6 age group.
They cannot play rugby at that age
but we are able to put a ball in their
hands and start teaching them the core
skills they will need in the future. It also
gives them discipline and a bonding to
the club.”
Integration
“We adopted a policy three or four
years ago that the Under side who play
in the Yorkshire Under 18 League train
with the open age, and start to prepare
them for open age rugby. We also play
occasionally some of these youngsters in
the Skirlaugh Bulls (our reserve grade) to
give them a sample of what they will be
facing week in, week out. These Under
18’s also have their Presentation Evening
with the open age so there is a real bond
there between all the players.
We also further down the line
have a curtain raiser from the younger
youth teams before our home National
Conference League fixtures, so that not
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