Whitehaven Rugby League Club is joining forces with Hull to create a West Cumbrian centre of excellence.
The partnership, which Haven said had been months in the planning, was an opportunity for youngsters in West Cumbria to become part of a development academy, which will start in the academic year 2022.
Haven said: “Cumbria is a hotbed of rugby league talent, as has been showcased for over 70 years now, and both clubs see this partnership better able to provide a pathway for those who hold ambitions of one day playing in Super League.”
Andrew Canavan, Whitehaven’s chief executive, said: “I wish to put on record my gratitude to Lee Crooks and James Clark, the Hull chief executive, for their work and support in bringing this to fruition.
“We see the centre of excellence as a vital component to the area and with the backing of the community clubs. This should hopefully benefit the local game, as a whole, in a big way.
“There will be development days announced soon, along with the appointment of the club’s new head of youth development.”
Crooks said: “To partner up with Whitehaven RLFC to create a clear pathway for 16 to 18-year-olds to develop and aspire to achieve their potential, is a big achievement for the club, especially as it’s an area renowned for its RL talent.
“We are looking to help develop players in West Cumbria to benefit not just Hull FC but also Whitehaven, Workington and the wider community game in general.
“This won’t happen overnight, but it has the potential to have a significant impact on rugby league in the whole area.”
