Try It - Rugby League aims to convert armchair supporters into national heroes
Last updated 10/2/2008 2:44:34 PM
Try It - Rugby League aims to convert armchair supporters into national heroes
The head coaches of England and Scotland have recently launched a major national recruitment campaign on behalf of the Rugby Football League to increase participation levels in Rugby League before, during and after the World Cup which kicks off on 25th October.
This year's event in Australia will involve ten national teams, and will generate significant exposure for the sport. The RFL is looking to capitalise on the increased level of focus in order to convert some of today's armchair fans into tomorrow's national heroes.
Launched by England's Tony Smith, women's coach Brenda Dobek and Scotland's Steve McCormack at St Peters RC High School, Manchester, The Co-operative Try It campaign aims to attract and recruit new people to the sport in four areas – playing, coaching, volunteering and refereeing.
Sponsored by RFL Official Partner, The Co-operative, the campaign is centred on an interactive website (http://www.tryit.co.uk/) which aims to provide those interested in getting involved in Rugby League with details of local clubs and relevant contacts.
England coach Tony Smith said: "As with any major sporting event, we expect the Rugby League World Cup to increase the national profile of the sport and increase interest levels. It's important that whilst the profile is high that we convert interest into participation.
"Rugby League is a really easy sport to get involved in on various levels and provides many social and health benefits. Hopefully a combination of a successful World Cup by the home nations, combined with this campaign will push participation levels to a new high."
Rugby League is currently one of the fastest growing sports in the UK with more people than ever now involved - participation grew by 15 per cent last year to more than 230,000 and the sport is now played in every region in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.