Participation in Rugby League Virtually Doubles in Two Years
The number of players playing Rugby League has almost doubled since 2002. That was the significant statistic revealed this week following the latest audit conducted by the Rugby Football League's Development Department.
In 2002 there were 32,175 registered as players with the RFL while this year there are 62,463, an increase of 94 per cent!
Prior to 2002 the number of participating players had remain virtually constant at a level between 25,000 to 30,000 players but there has been a significant increase following a massive expansion of the Development Department headed by Gary Tasker, the Director of Development and Marketing, and its activities.
According the RFL's audit the rate of expansion can be credited to five significant areas of growth:-
The Powergen Champion Schools Competition which has a 30 per cent increase in the numbers of schools playing Rugby League after just two years op operations.
The growth of the TotalRL.Com Rugby League Conference from 30 clubs in 2002 to 67 clubs this year.
The establishment of National League Three in 2003 which has expanded from ten clubs to 14 clubs.
And the expansion of Girls' Rugby League through the Sport England-funded Active Sports programme and the Powergen Champion Schools competition.
Clubs have been pro-active in engaging with their own communities and introduced development programmes that are linked to the National Plan.
Tasker said: 'We started the journey two years ago when the sport of Rugby League was totally restructured and the process of re-unification initiated. At the same time the fully inclusive National Community Development Plan was written and that provided the sport with a fresh impetus.
'While expansion is one heading on our agenda, we remain heavily focussed and committed to organic growth from within heartlands of the game'.
For more details contact the Media Department of the Rugby Football League, Fifth Floor, Sovereign House, South Parade, Leeds LS1 5QL. Tel: 0113 244 1114.
Fax: 0113 244 1110. E-mail: John.Huxley@rfl.uk.com or
Andrew.Whitelam@rfl.uk.com
In 2002 there were 32,175 registered as players with the RFL while this year there are 62,463, an increase of 94 per cent!
Prior to 2002 the number of participating players had remain virtually constant at a level between 25,000 to 30,000 players but there has been a significant increase following a massive expansion of the Development Department headed by Gary Tasker, the Director of Development and Marketing, and its activities.
According the RFL's audit the rate of expansion can be credited to five significant areas of growth:-
Tasker said: 'We started the journey two years ago when the sport of Rugby League was totally restructured and the process of re-unification initiated. At the same time the fully inclusive National Community Development Plan was written and that provided the sport with a fresh impetus.
'While expansion is one heading on our agenda, we remain heavily focussed and committed to organic growth from within heartlands of the game'.
For more details contact the Media Department of the Rugby Football League, Fifth Floor, Sovereign House, South Parade, Leeds LS1 5QL. Tel: 0113 244 1114.
Fax: 0113 244 1110. E-mail: John.Huxley@rfl.uk.com or
Andrew.Whitelam@rfl.uk.com