RFL and Sporting Equals are delighted to announce an initiative which we hope will encourage members of Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) and faith communities to give Rugby League a try by undertaking a coaching course!



The RFL is running a low cost Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Rugby League open to individuals from  BME and faith communities. The cost of the course is only £25.00 per candidate as funding has been received from Sporting Equals. The Level 1 Coaching course will take place on the 27th March and the 10th April in Yorkshire.



Cliff Simms, Sporting Equals Sports Consultant said “Sporting Equals’ core objective is to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of black and minority ethnic {BME} communities within sport and physical activity. We want to engage and promote positive initiatives to tackle race and faith inequalities, change attitudes and cultures to participation in all sports and ultimately develop a fair and representative sporting nation.”



2009 saw a free coaching course for the BME community and this course is a scheme as part of the RFL’s ongoing work alongside local Rugby League clubs to develop links with faith forum and community workers.  Engaging with BME communities is part of the RFL's equalities agenda to overcome barriers to participation and create a welcoming environment for everyone whatever their race, religion, faith or belief.



Sarah Williams, the RFL’s Equity and Diversity Manager, said: “The purpose of the low cost Level One Coaching initiative is to reach these under-represented groups and encourage them to be involved in our game. We are also looking to deliver a Level 2 coaching course at the reduced cost of £45.00 per person later this year, which is also funded by Sporting Equals.”



“We are hopeful that this will increase involvement of people from such communities in the game be that as players, coaches or simply spectators.”



The Level 1 Coaching Course is designed for adults who are looking for an introduction to working with groups of adults, junior Rugby League teams, or for parents of children in junior teams who want to get more involved.



The course provides an introduction to coaching Rugby League and good coaching practices as well as developing core Rugby League skills correctly and safely.



For information on this course please contact the RFL’s Performance and Coaching Department on 0113 2375010, or e-mail coaching@rfl.uk.com



For more information on Sporting Equals, please visit the Sporting Equals website http://www.sportingequals.org.uk/about-us