West Cumbrian Gary Chambers has been appointed as full-time head of youth at Warrington Wolves.
Whitehaven-born Chambers, now 52, started his rugby league career with Kells playing right through to Under-18s when he signed for Warrington.
He went on to make 210 appearances for the Wire between 1989-2000 and has been a key part of the coaching and youth development side ever since.
After retiring from playing, Gary moved into coaching as one of former Head Coach Daryl Van de Velde’s assistants. Since then Chambers has gained many years of coaching experience, firstly under the guidance of former first team coach Paul Cullen, at the helm of the club’s Academy and Head Coach of the U19s.
He has been instrumental in the development of several of the club’s homegrown first team stars over the years; from the likes of Mike Cooper to more recently Josh Thewlis and Connor Wrench.
In recent years he has also gained teaching experience, progressing through to become a deputy head teacher at a couple of North West schools.
Even then he always maintained his links with the junior sides at the Wire and also the international set-up with England Youth and England Academy.
After being appointed to the full-time role of head of youth with the club he said: “It’s fantastic to be back at Warrington although it feels like I’ve never truly been away.
“To come back into this environment is fantastic and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
“Ultimately I want to help young players progress through to the first team but it’s also about supporting parents and coaches in schools and our community clubs to get more kids playing the game. I want to make amateur clubs vibrant again and build mass participation.
“Ultimately the more people we have playing rugby in the town, the more people we will have coming through here at the club and we want to make it the best it can be. That’s something I really want to be a part of.
“To come back and work with Rich [Marshall], Tyke [Tyrone McCarthy] and the team was another big reason for taking the role. They’re Warrington people who want the best for the club and I’m excited to be part of what they’re looking to bring.
“We’ve got some genuine talent coming through and there’s a lot of good work going on to develop those young players which we can add even more value to.
“If we can get into the community clubs and offer advice, coaching and contribute in other areas it’s going to make the town justifiably what it should be which is an outstanding place for Rugby League.”
Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Gary on board in a full-time capacity with the club.
“The role as Head of Youth is more vitally important than it has ever been and he will supplement the outstanding youth development work already being done by Richard Marshall and his team.
“Gary is vastly experienced, has invaluable connections with community clubs and schools and has a real passion for the club.
“Producing our own homegrown talent is of strategic importance and Gary’s appointment will go a long way towards that.”
Current Kells coach Peter Smith said: “I’m pleased to see Gary taking on a full time role with a club he has served so well over the years. I remember when he signed for Warrington with Chris Rudd after coming through our age group sides.
“He’s had a fine career in the game and is a real gentleman who will do a great job for Warrington in this role.”
