Bolton on the ball with WWCF

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation are committed to growing the game of Rugby League and have recently employed a new full-time development officer to cover the Bolton area.

During the Rugby League World Cup 2021, Wigan Warriors Community Foundation delivered a host of Rugby League festivals at the University of Bolton Arena for local primary and secondary schools.

Following on from the success of the sessions last year, Wigan Warriors Community Foundation were keen to commit and grow the sport in the other areas, and now have full-time delivery in Bolton with Ryan Lee leading the school and Club engagement across the area.

The first term since New Year has seen delivery into 7 new schools in Bolton, engaging with 420 new Rugby League participants, all of whom are new learners to the game.

In addition, 5 schools recently came together to play in Bolton’s first ever Emerging Schools Rugby Festival based at St Joseph’s indoor dome.

Speaking on his new role, Bolton Rugby Development officer Ryan Lee said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time so far developing and growing the game of Rugby League in Bolton. It was great to see all the pupils represent their schools at the festival which was attended by 5 of the local schools.

“With regards to the community game, I am determined to make Bolton RLFC grow a junior section with playing opportunities for all ages and sexes and build on what we have already. The open age team have played two games so far and won them both, playing well in both games which bodes well for the season ahead.”

Scott Rafferty, Schools Partnerships Manager, added: “After the success of the World Cup in Bolton, our Bolton Development programme has just completed its first half term. This programme has given us the ability to widen the audience of Rugby League and provide development sessions in a new area. We are extremely pleased with the engagement of over 20 schools so far with more set to take part after the half term break.

“We have received an abundance of positive feedback, highlighting how much of a positive impact we have had to new participants in the sport and we hope that this partnership with can continue to grow and we are able to support the grassroots clubs in the area by signposting any potential new players.”

Chairman of Bolton RLFC, Chris Clarkson added: “Ryan became the Bolton RLFC Head Coach in January 2023 and in just a few weeks has implemented a thorough training system that has seen the team win its first two pre-season friendlies.

“We are looking forward to working with Ryan through our first season together and build on the positive start to the year, the schools programme is also a great opportunity for us to develop our own junior section.”

To find out more about Rugby League opportunities in Bolton, contact: community@wiganwarriors.com