Rank #11
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Armed Forces Rugby League Development Officer
In a major new initiative by the RFL the first ever appointment of an Armed Forces Development Officer was recently announced, the first holder of this exciting new post is former RAF Regt Sgt George Taylor.
By way of introduction and in his own words George brings us up to date on his RAF and RL career to date.
Having joined the Royal Air Force Regiment in September 1979 I was involved in a variety of operations and detachments over 23 years retiring from the Service as a SNCO in January 2003.
On the playing front I played Rugby League for a number of teams over the years including, Bruggen Bulldogs, Honnington Centurions, South Norfolk Saints, Whitley Bay Barbarians and Jarrow Vikings.
As well as playing the game I have also been heavily involved on the coaching side of the sport, coaching such teams as Cambridge University, Midlands Students and the North East Students as well as my own club, Jarrow Vikings. I have also been lucky enough to coach on the RFL Performance pathway, fulfilling the role of Head Coach on North East and Yorkshire camps as well as being Assistant Coach on two National Performance camps.
On leaving the Royal Air Force I started work for Gateshead Council as a part time RL Development officer and then took on the role as Full time Development Manager for the Rugby Football League in the North East.
During the past four years in my role as Development Manager I have managed the growth of the game in a non-traditional area and supported clubs increasing their player base, obtaining funding to run the clubs and the setting up of new clubs. This experience I feel will be a great help in this new role to further develop this wonderful sport throughout the Armed Forces at all levels.
Whilst playing and coaching takes up a lot of my time I am also a qualified and active Match Official and part of the RFL Coach Education team.
Away from Ruby League I have been married to Sandra for twenty seven years and we have two daughters and a four year old grand daughter.
As the post develops I hope to and look forward to meeting as many of the Players, Coaches and administrators of the various services Rugby league Associations as possible in an effort to continue the vast amount of work already done around the services.