Easter Camps smash records
Wigan Warriors Community Foundation’s Easter Camps smashed participation records with over 600 children in attendance over the Easter half-term.
The sold out ‘Legends Camp’, which welcomed a diverse range of attendees aged 6-16, kicked off with an incredible Q&A session on Tuesday afternoon hosted by Warriors head coach Matt Peet and former captain and current assistant coach Thomas Leuluai who shared valuable advice to the young stars of the future.
The positivity continued on Wednesday as more than 250 camp participants – the highest attended day – took part in a variety of fun-fuelled skill games such as try scoring, touch rugby, and our hugely popular wheelchair rugby league sessions run by coaches from our Community Foundation.
Women’s head coach Denis Betts answered questions from a number of age groups on Thursday afternoon – on topics including his progression through junior rugby – as well as a talk with our female camp attendees where he spoke through our successful Girls Pathway programme which has already seen a number of players break into the First Team.
The week concluded in fantastic fashion as Women’s captain Victoria Molyneux took part in a competitive touch rugby session with our female stars of the future. Joel Tomkins also attended the camp on Friday afternoon, as he joined Vicky in answering questions from our younger camp attendees such as their favourite Wigan tries, favourite players, and what they ranked Sam Tomkins’ iconic celebration against St Helens.
Before participants went home on the final day of camp, England head coach Shaun Wane shared three tips with all attendees on what it takes to make it to the highest level. Before leaving, the former Warriors player and head coach took pictures and signed autographs with the children, including shirts, boots and even an arm!
Interim Head of Foundation, Danny Fullerton said: “It has been another phenomenal week at Robin Park Arena for our Easter ‘Legends Week’ Camps. We have welcomed some Club icons who have got involved in each day including skill sessions and Q&As for another great week of delivery to the young people of Wigan and beyond.
“We have seen one of our highest numbers of participants across the week which is fantastic to see for the Club and the Community Foundation.”
He added: “With more than 600 participants on this Camp, we look forward to welcoming more aspiring Rugby League players, and lots of familiar faces at our next Camp in May half-term.”
One parent, whose son is a regular attendee on each camp, said: “My son’s been coming to the camps since he was five as each one’s been so brilliant. He’s developed loads of skills and made lots of friends, which is excellent to see as a parent.
“There’s such a warm and positive atmosphere on these camps and the experiences the kids get out of it is great. I’ve been able to get some work done this week which I wouldn’t normally be able to do if my lad was at home. I encourage any parent who has the opportunity for their child to attend to do it as they’re brilliant for developing friendship and skills – they’re just fantastic.”
Another parent, whose child participated for the first time, added: “We saw a camp video with Sean O’Loughlin on social media and as my lad has just started playing rugby league, I thought it would be the ideal camp for him to be on during the holidays.
“Honestly, it’s the best £49 I’ve ever spent. He’s come home every night expressing how much he’s enjoyed the day and also how tired he is from all the fun. He will definitely be attending future camps – absolutely.”
Next camp will be in May Half Term with details to follow soon.
