Independent local intelligence

This week MP says rumour about the former Commercial Hotel in Cleator Moor is untrue This week Workington Reds beat Alfreton Town 3-0 before FA Trophy trip to Ashton United This week Cumberland's gritters are out for the first time this winter, a week earlier than usual This week Cleator Moor community groups can apply for free labour and materials from the hub builders This week Workington cricketer Paul McKeown picked for England Lions over-60s tour of India
Sport Whitehaven · West Cumbria

188 young players have signed up for Whitehaven's new talent programme, and they're after more coaches Nearly 200 young players sign up for Whitehaven's rugby league talent programme

By Kris WM, editor 3 min read From newsandstar.co.uk
Marra Mode

Marra Mode is how your mate would tell you down the pub over a pint. Switch it off for the straight version.

Nearly 200 young players sign up for Whitehaven's rugby league talent programme
Marra News

Whitehaven's new youth programme has 188 kids signed up already. Dean Vaughan and Paul Farrell are running it, sessions are school-holiday Fridays, and they want more coaches.

This one's for young rugby league players round Whitehaven, their mams and dads, and any grassroots coaches who fancy helping out.

Whitehaven RLFC has started the Whitehaven Talent Development Programme to bring on the best young players from across the area. 188 have signed up already, and six coaches have put their names forward.

Dean Vaughan is head coach and Paul Farrell is lead coach. Dean played more than 150 games for Haven, and the pair of them have done loads of grassroots coaching.

A club spokesman said: "We are delighted to introduce our senior coaching team for the Whitehaven Talent Development Programme: Dean Vaughan as head coach and Paul Farrell as lead coach." And: "For us, it's vital that this programme is driven by coaches who understand our area, know our grassroots clubs, and share a genuine passion for developing local talent."

There'll be 10 daytime sessions a year in the school holidays. They're on Fridays so they don't clash with the amateur clubs, and there's some classroom-type learning as well as the training.

Dean and Paul are going round the clubs over the next fortnight to explain how it all works. The club wants more coaches too. You don't need to have played at a high level, just be keen and happy to help young players. You don't have to make every session either. If you can do half of them, they'll have you.

What you can do: if your bairn plays for a local amateur club, ask about the coaches' visit over the next couple of weeks. If you coach and want to help, get in touch with Whitehaven RLFC through the club. Our story on the club's coach of the year is in the sources below.

Whitehaven RLFC's new Talent Development Programme, led by Dean Vaughan and Paul Farrell, has 188 players registered and is looking for more volunteer coaches. Sessions run on Fridays in school holidays.

This is for young rugby league players around Whitehaven, their parents, and grassroots coaches who might want to help.

Whitehaven Rugby League Club has launched the Whitehaven Talent Development Programme to bring on promising youth players from across the area. So far 188 players have registered, and six coaches have registered their interest.

It will be led by Dean Vaughan as head coach and Paul Farrell as lead coach. Vaughan made more than 150 appearances for Whitehaven, and both have a long background in grassroots coaching.

A club spokesman said: "We are delighted to introduce our senior coaching team for the Whitehaven Talent Development Programme: Dean Vaughan as head coach and Paul Farrell as lead coach." The spokesman added: "For us, it's vital that this programme is driven by coaches who understand our area, know our grassroots clubs, and share a genuine passion for developing local talent."

The programme will run 10 daytime sessions a year during school holidays. They will be held on Fridays so they do not clash with amateur club commitments, and there will be educational modules alongside the training on the field.

Vaughan and Farrell will visit local clubs over the next fortnight to explain how it works. The club wants more coaches to get involved. Top-level playing experience is not needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help young players, and coaches do not have to attend every session. Anyone who can make at least half of them is welcome.

What you can do: if your child plays for a local amateur club, ask the club about the coaches' visit over the next two weeks. If you coach and want to help, contact Whitehaven RLFC through the club. Our story on the club's coach of the year award is linked in the sources below.