Sponsors extend academy support (From Craven Herald)

Sponsors extend academy support

1:35pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in Wharfedale

It is a tough time for sponsors, which is all the more reason why Wharfedale have a smile on their face this week.

Skipton Building Society have agreed to back their Rugby Academy for a further year, taking their involvement with the Greens to an impressive 15 years.

This means that schools from across the Craven area will continue to receive rugby coaching from the Skipton Building Society Wharfedale Rugby Academy.

Since 1996, Skipton and Wharfedale Rugby Union Footballl Club have worked together to bring top-quality rugby union coaching to children and young people from across the Craven area and beyond.

Working regularly with a host of local primary and secondary schools, the academy will hold special school training sessions, organise inter-school rugby festivals, set up half-term training camps at Wharfedale’s ground during the school holidays and increase the number of girls taking part in the sport in 2012.

David Cutter, group chief executive of Skipton Building Society, said: “Having worked with Wharfedale RUFC in providing the financial backing for the rugby academy for the past 15 years, Skipton is very proud to play a part in helping so many local children and young people into this sport. Grass-roots sport for children is something we are keen to support.

“The Skipton Building Society Wharfedale Rugby Academy not only puts qualified coaches into local primary and secondary schools in north Yorkshire but it also teaches children tag rugby, developing their co-ordination, communication and teamwork skills, as well as ensuring they have fun learning a new sport.”

Mike Harrison, chairman of rugby at Wharfedale RUFC, said: “We would like to thank Skipton Building Society, which has worked with us over the last 15 years bringing rugby union into so many local schools.

“Without their financial input, our academy would not have had the beneficial influence it undoubtedly has had in so many young lives.”