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| CLUB CALL |


CLUB CALL C


urrent Leeds Rhinos and England Youth (and this issue’s cover)star Stevie Ward is one of many names to learn the ropes here.


Indeed chairman Laurie Baker claims that an England dream team could be formed from the talent that has progressed under the watchful eye of the Hunslet Warriors coaches over the years.


Founded in 1997 following the amalgamation of Bison Sports, Brassmoulders and Garden Gate, Warriors reached the third round of the Challenge Cup in their first season. It’s interesting to note that a young Simon Peach made his mark as a player and, some 16 years later, he would become head coach of the side.


Having clear direction from a coach who knows their stuff is a massive boost to our chances.


Karl Featherstone


Rubbing shoulders with Championship side Hunslet Hawks, this club is something of a breeding ground for Rugby League success, having produced notable talents of the likes of Ward.


The Warriors’ application to rejoin the National Conference League (NCL) in 2010–2011 was accepted and they took their place in Division 2. Their league campaign proved successful as they finished the season as champions, achieving promotion to NCL 1 at the first attempt.


Coaching Matters visits clubs up and down the country... and in this issue we visited Hunslet Warriors


In the interim season, introduced to bridge the


gap between winter and summer Rugby League, the Warriors again finished top of the pile, going on to win the Grand Final against top-flight outfit Wigan St. Patricks.


The 2012 season saw Hunslet Warriors knocked out of


the Challenge Cup in the third round at Whitehaven, but they managed to consolidate their position in NCL 1, finishing outside the promotion places by a single point.


Following two championship-winning seasons in Yorkshire League Division 1 and success in the 2010– 2011 final of the Gary Chappelow Cup, the ‘A’ team finished Division 1 runners-up in 2012 and have since taken their place in the Premier Division.


The Warriors’ youth development is also showing great promise. The U18s enjoyed an impressive start to the inaugural 2011 season in the summer Conference Youth League, finishing top of the Eastern Division and narrowly missing out in the play-off semi finals.


The Under-16s, winners of the 2009–2010 Leeds & District Walltec trophy, backed this up by lifting the 2010–2011 Yorkshire League Cup.


The junior section of the club also continues to thrive with teams at every age group from U8s to U15s playing in the Yorkshire leagues. There are plans to launch a girls’ side, with efforts being made to generate interest.


These are exciting times for a tight-knit club that really is at the heart of the local community.


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