COMMUNITY LIONS U18's SELECTION PROCESS

15th September 2011

Saturday 10th September saw a great festival of Rugby League served up by local Under 18's players.  Allerdale, Barrow, Copeland and the North East all competed for the honour of selection for Great Britain Community Lions Under 18's representative opportunity.  Over 80 players attended on the day and the standard of rugby was high indeed and is a true reflection of the hard work undertaken by the Community clubs in nurturing the players from a young age.

Special thanks must go to Amanda Hewer and the team Whitehaven RLFC for hosting the festival and providing changing facilities, playing facilities and after match refreshments.  Hewer stated, "We like supporting the pathway opportunities, it was a great event that saw many local players get the chance to progress to hopefully Community Lions Under 18's selection.."

The coaches must also receive a special mention for their involvements in shortlisting players from the over 150 nominations received.  Paul Farrell and Paul Halcrow (both Copeland), Dave Clark and Steve Hartle (both Barrow) and John Banks and Mark Shaw (both Allerdale) prepared the squads over 3 weeks to ensure great attacking structures and defensive patterns brought the best out of each individual on the day.

Anthony Atherton (Regional Development Officer) commented "It was such a buzz to see the players turning up and giving their best, the talent pool is looking healthy at the moment and if we (Community Clubs, Leagues, Pro-Clubs, Coaches, Players) can continue working together, the future looks very bright too!"  Players are to be sent notification letters this week following the deliberation of the selection committee.  The process saw talent identification take place on the day, coach nominations put forwards then a lengthy discussion taking in to account all factors.  Atherton added, "The work the Community clubs do goes so often unrecognised, I am aware of the hard work done by the clubs and thank them for the way they recruit, develop and produce players."