Hull FC and Hull KR, in partnership with City of Hull & District Rugby League, have confirmed an increase in junior Rugby League participation of 67% across the Hull district’s community clubs since 2018.
All ten clubs that were already formed in 2018 have seen significant increases in participation levels, while the formation of two new clubs in that time in the form of Kingswood Knights and Bransholme Bears have increased that figure even further.
2,518 youngsters now represent the region’s community clubs, compared to 1,505 six years ago meaning over 1,000 more junior players are now playing Rugby League in and around Hull.
Following the formation of the partnership in 2018, an increase in participation of 11% after the conclusion of the first 12 months was recorded – that figure is now dwarfed following a rapid increase over the past five years, even with the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic in which all grassroots sport was halted.
Myton Warriors and Cottingham Tigers have seen the biggest increase in participation respectively, with increases of 130% and 113% – more than doubling their previous total number of players.
Meanwhile, well-established clubs Skirlaugh Bulls, West Hull, East Hull and Hull Wyke all continue to lead the way in terms of player numbers, all hosting over 300 junior players in 2024.
The Hull district is now the leading area in the country for increasing playing numbers, with the decline in grassroots participation seen during the 2010s has now been firmly reversed.
The increase in participation is testament to the work of both professional clubs across the community, as well as the tireless efforts of City of Hull & District Rugby League, and the community clubs themselves including coaches, parents, and volunteers who are the backbone of the sport in the city.
The addition of COHDRL Development Days to the region’s grassroots calendar, as well as the COHDRL East vs West Origin Series which took place once again earlier this month, are just two examples of initiatives that have helped drive up participation levels.
Hull FC’s Academy Football Manager Sasch Brook, said: “The City of Hull and District Rugby League is flourishing at present. Since 2019 to present, the growth of the game has seen numbers rise significantly.
“We have numerous events throughout the course of the calendar year for the benefit of the young players.
"A couple of yearly highlights include the Finals Days and East vs West event which are held at Sewell Group Craven Park, and the City of Hull and District Rugby League staff are always looking at ways on improving year by year in a wide range of elements.
“We have increased our sponsorship and partnerships with a wide range of organisations over the past five years and this is something which we are pleased with, but at the same time understand that maintaining our relationships is essential moving forward in all areas.”
Hull KR’s Head of Academy, Jason Netherton, said: “Hull KR are immensely proud of the City of Hull and District Rugby League Management Board, both professional club Foundations, community clubs, Hull City Council and schools for their hard work to significantly increase the participation numbers of junior rugby league players within Hull and the surrounding areas.
“The sport has gone through some very hard times in recent years, in particular with COVID 19, so to show such a significant increase in numbers from every community club is really uplifting
“I often see comments on social media that the game is dying and that children no longer want to play the game due to rule changes but these figures show that we in Hull are leading the way to negate that narrative.
“We have also seen two new community club form with the Bransholme Bears and Kingswood Knights starting within the last 3 years which is another significant step forward.
“We will continue to work collaboratively across the city and ensure our young rugby league players have the best experience as possible.
“Particular thanks needs to go to Rob Wilson and Sasch Brook who have been the main drivers behind the East v West concept, expansion on the Development Days to now cover all ages and securing enough sponsorship that enabled the community clubs to receive over £20,000 from the COHDRL this year alone."
Photo Credit: City of Hull & District Rugby League
