Widnes Vikings to put faith in the future

Nov 27 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE future is looking bright for Widnes Vikings after the club launched its world-class youth programme.

The club this week announced the details of a unique youth performance system which should enable many talented Widnesian youngsters to go on to become top international athletes.

Stuart Wilkinson, Vikings’ head of youth performance, who joined the club in February, believes the Performance Pathway system will soon be the envy of the rugby league world.

He said: “We want to nurture our talented youngsters to create focused, robust, all-round athletes who remain committed to their local team until they are eligible to become first-team players at the age of 18 or 19.

“We want to retain these children by offering them a performance pathway that is the best in the country.

“Our aim is to create an open, inclusive, safe environment so young people can grow with confidence.”

As well as receiving top rugby league training through the club, partnerships with Bankfield High School, Riverside College and Edge Hill University will ensure aspiring first-teamers are provided with the required knowledge and qualifications for life outside of the game.

Tony Charlton at Edge Hill University, Phil Finney, a former rugby league international at Riverside College, and Neil Bourke, Widnes Vikings coach and PE teacher at Bankfield School, will all help to oversee this process.

Wilkinson added: “We want to build a visible, robust, performance pathway underpinned by holistic player development programmes.

“Although the Widnes area is still working to improve its sports facilities, our partnership with local schools and colleges can create a youth programme that is the best in the country.”

The Bankfield scheme is the first of its kind in this country and aims to provide a totally student-centred curriculum for Halton's talented young sportsmen.

The school’s approach identifies children’s sporting talents and customises the curriculum to suit their needs.

Bourke said: “The end result will no doubt have a positive impact on all parties with a vested interest.”

Edge Hill has just launched a new degree in Sports Science while more than 20 young Widnes players are now studying on specialist BTEC sports courses at Riverside College as part of the new Rugby League Academy.

They feature a number of Widnes Vikings professional players, including Josh Simm, Anthony Mullally and Shane Grady, who have all been given first-team contracts.

Finney explained: “The course covers a diverse range of sports-related topics but all modules are delivered to ensure that the passion for rugby league is harnessed effectively to inspire students to succeed both academically and to improve their performance on the pitch.”

Widnes Vikings’ Junior Academy currently has places for 70 young athletes, aged 13-19, and annually accepts 12 new recruits at Year 8.

Vikings will unveil their 2009 home and away kits to fans at Stobart Stadium Halton on Tuesday, December 9.

The launch event will include a fashion show at which players and the Stobart Dancers will model both the new kit and O’Neill’s merchandise available on the night.

Admission is £3, all proceeds going to charity. Tickets will be available from the Stobart Stadium Halton reception from today (Thursday).