Keighley Cougars operate various coaching programmes to develop the young people of Bradford & District, as well as the Craven area of North Yorkshire. These programmes include: A RFL recognised coaching programme for Primary Schools A RFL recognised Scholarship programme for 44 promising youngsters A partnership with Bradford Bulls to develop the Service Area SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT A dedicated team of professionally trained and qualified coaching staff have developed a strong and highly recognised programme to encourage Primary School children to take part in Rugby League activities and develop their skills and knowledge of sport and healthy living. Working closely with Oakbank School (Specialist Sports College) we are able to provide a six-week coaching programme to all 39 Primary Schools and linked with South Craven School, we offer the same programme to a further 7 Primary Schools. In total, we currently have six-week coaching programmes available and running in partnership with 46 Primary Schools in and around the Keighley area with those Schools feeding 7 secondary Schools. These programmes enables years 5 & 6 to undertake development sessions and gain a taste of Tag Rugby building up to a festival of rugby for each feeder cluster. The festival is held at each of the relevant Secondary Schools for which the Primary Schools are feeders. This give the young people a taste of the Big School on a sporting front. Each festival produces a champion who goes forward to play in the Oakbank SSC Champion Schools Tournament held at Cougar Park. Following on from this, Keighley Cougars offer Schools the chance to progress into Tackle Rugby and again, a Tackle Rugby Tournament is held at Cougar Park in July of each year. Schools wishing to take part in this tournament are given a three-week coaching programme for tackle techniques and rules of tackle rugby. BENEFITS OF THE KEIGHLEY COUGARS COACHING PROGRAMME Introduction of Rugby League to young people in Schools Ability to provide coaching for EVERY School in and around the Keighley area A gentle and progressive plan maximised by full class participation Teamwork ethos is taught Outlets to local amateur clubs (keeping kids off the streets) Schools accessing outside agency assistance Coaching from Professional Role Models Healthy exercise made fun and interesting Secondary Schools able to spot talented sports people at early stage Year 6 pupils able to have a look at likely Secondary School they will progress to from the following September Is attempting to embrace all communities and both sexes to compete and work together, thus crossing some of the cultural barriers

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