This Saturday sees Keighley Albion ARLFC re-launch its open age side having had agreement from the Pennine League to re-join its ranks after a 2 year absence. Formed in 1948 the club has as many other amateur clubs faced difficulties in recent years in maintaining an open age side and saw the open age section leave the club in 2012 to form a newly merged side in the town.

However since forming a junior section in 2007 it has grown from starting with 1 side at U8s and has gone from strength to strength over the last 7 years. Albion currently has 9 age groups playing from U7s through to U17s in the Yorkshire Juniors League.

The open age side has been formed through the coming together of senior youth players from the current U17s side and ex-Albion players returning to the club. The launch of the open age side sees the club fulfil one of its objectives in giving Albion’s junior players a pathway through to open age rugby, be it in the amateur or professional ranks.

The club will be holding an open day with a barbecue and activities for the kids this Saturday with junior games taking place ahead of the open age’s first game against East Leeds which kicks off at 2.30.