York RLFC has launched performance pathways programmes for the Squires and Junior Squires!
Head of Rugby Andrew Henderson oversaw the start of the Under 14s programme (Junior Squires) at the end of 2024 and the start of the Under 16s (Squires) programme, which started in the new year.
The Squires programme is seen as a progression from the Excel community programme, run by the York RLFC Foundation. Players who have benefited from hard word done by community clubs in York and the surrounding areas are talent identified and invited onto the programme, where they are introduced to life as a professional rugby league player.
The programme involves field-based sessions incorporating speed and conditioning elements, alongside skills and rugby development. Gym based sessions designed to improve physical attributes with medical support, nutrition advice and education resources are also provided, while players are also exposed to physical testing and skill assessments during the programme.
It’s led by Henderson, with former York Acorn ARLFC Josh Mortimer and former Doncaster and Sheffield Eagles player, Peter Green part of the coaching team. They’re assisted by support staff from York St.John University.
Henderson said: “I’m extremely proud to have this programme off the ground and in place now.
“It is vitally important to me and to us as a club that we provide opportunities for young local York and North Yorkshire based players, along with players from the surrounding areas to gain valuable experience assisting them in their rugby league development.
“The next step is to set up a U18s Knights Batchelor programme in the future for local players we identify, as well as providing a further pathway for players to transition to from the Squires programme. The goal is to see some of these players one day transition from here into the Knights squad of the future.
“I must thank our partners York St John University for their continued support allowing the use of fantastic facilities and their staffing provision. Also, to our coaches who have shown great commitment supporting me and our players on their journey.
“It is great to see at York RLFC that we will continue to offer and run our Excel community programme in 2025, providing opportunities for all players from Under 12 to Under 16s to get involved at the club.
"Equally, it is great to see we now have the initial stages of a performance pathway in place which is set to grow and develop further, with the aim hopefully one day to transition into a Super league youth system, boasting reserves, academy, and scholarship squads to support our Knights first team.”
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