As part of our on-going commitment to developing rugby in the North London boroughs, we are re-igniting the ‘Cross-Code Challenge’ Fixture which will see our U16’s test themselves against one of North London’s top Rugby Union set up’s – Barnet Elizabethians.
We at Skolars are proud of our ability to bring together many young players from a huge variety of Rugby Union clubs across North London and its surrounding boroughs and we welcome any player who wants to develop their rugby across the Summer months with our Junior Teams. We actively look to build relationships with our closest Rugby Union clubs and Barnet Elizabethans have been extremely open to sharing good practice and ideas and really taking the partnership to the next level.
Community Manager Matt Cuss spoke about the concept and why the Skolars have re-ignited the fixture;
‘the purpose of the Cross-Code Challenge is not to pit the two codes up against each other in an ego driven contest, but to expose young players to a sport that they may not have played before, or to an environment that is slightly different to the one that they compete in week in week out. Whilst there will undoubtedly be many players from Barnet who have not played any Rugby League before, there are also some Skolars players who have never played competitive Rugby Union also, so it’s an opportunity that will work both ways, in terms of experiencing a new sport.
We work hard to build positive relationships with many of the Junior Rugby Union clubs in the region, and Barnet Elizabethans have been extremely receptive. Myself and Dion Chapman our Player Recruitment Officer have run some sessions with the U15’s & U16’s at the club and the feedback was great, from both the players and the coaches. We certainly enjoyed working with the players, and it was fantastic to see all the rugby talent that is out there.
Player Recruitment Officer Dion Chapman will be a keen observer of the game, with there being many potential players on show whom he will be looking to speak to regarding the opportunities here at London Skolars and with our partner organisations. A heavy part of the evening will be the presence of Barnet & Southgate College, who will be presenting to the participants on the benefits of joining the College for 2017 and becoming part of London’s only recognised Category 3 Rugby League Academy.
For those keen spectators, the game will take place on Wednesday 3rd May with kick off scheduled for 6.30pm at London Skolars Rugby League, New River Sport & Fitness, N22 5QW.
The Skolars Bar will be open and refreshments served so get on down for what should be a fantastic occasion for Rugby in North London.
