On Thursday 23rd June, eleven Year 9 students from Joseph Swan, Gateshead took part in the Rugby League Leaders Award, a sport specific award run by the Rugby Football League. The rationale behind the R.L.L.A. is due to the current changes taking place in how Physical Education is being delivered in schools. Students have a responsibility to develop their own independent learning, volunteering and leadership skills and teachers need to ensure that we are not only providing a performance pathway but also opportunities to experience the roles of coaches, match officials and administrators.

The course was delivered by staff from the RFL, North East Volunteer Co-ordinator, Jade Mackie and North East Regional Talent Coach, Robin Peers. The students covered Leadership, Coaching, Match Officials and Festival Organisation with a portion of the day being practical based. All students passed the course and will now put their new skills to the test on Wednesday 29th June when they assist at a Tag Rugby Festival to be held at Joseph Swan, where each student will be given a team to manage and coach.

The students behaviour and attitude across the day was exemplary and Jade was very impressed with the enthusiasm and knowledge that each student showed.

The students who completed the course were: Josh Jones, John Cain, Jake Richardson, Jack Hills, Liam Marshall, Jordan Nicholson, Kane Fairless, Tony Fox, Waqaas Khalil, Luke Horner and Rebaz Abdullah.

If you would like any further information regarding Leadership please contact Jade Mackie, jade.mackie@rfl.uk.com or 07595520178.