HOW many future Super League players are featured in this amazing picture gallery from the weekend's game between Blackbrook Royals under 7s and Bank Quay Bulls?
Flick through the gallery to see how the kids are enjoying themselves with oval ball in hand.
And there is determination, too, etched on the faces in this encounter.
Blackbrook Royals are proud that they have been a tremendous nursery for the elite game - and a significant number of Saints players started out there.
But it is not just about preparing for the elite, with the club providing high quality sport sessions for young people in St Helens.
It is that combination of providing opportunities for children of all ages and abilities and a pathway of performance for junior players interested in competing at a local and regional level.
Blackbrook caters for children of all ages from 6 year old beginners to 18 year olds, and prides itself on welcoming all children to the club irrespective of ability.
Membership currently stands at around 340 and the club is supported by a number of volunteers involved in coaching, game day management and first aid provision.
The club has over 30 coaches who are all DBS/Safeguarding checked and qualified to coach via the Rugby Football League.
The facilities are being constantly upgraded and recently refurbishment of the changing rooms and shower facilities cost 20 thousand pounds, over 11 thousand of this was obtained by Blackbrook Royals from funding made available by the ‘Created by Rugby League World Cup 2021’ campaign.
The club has access to six playing pitches, four of which are council owned so we have strong partnership will the local authority, the club owners, our fellow community clubs and St Helens RLFC Community Foundation who assist us with additional training.
A key partner for us is St Augustine’s of Canterbury who are next door to us. We are currently sharing their facilities and working with the school on a large scale bid to install a 4G playing surface at the club in partnership with St Helens Council and ‘Created by RLWC 2021’.
The club charges parents £10 per month subscription. This covers playing equipment, pitch hire, travel expenses, after match food and other additional requirements such as the hire of Ruskin Sports Village during winter months. Subscriptions are managed by one volunteer which provides much needed continuity and accountability.
Despite the restrictions and challenges posed by Covid the club has recently started its own girls section and also the Blackbrook Munchkins (3 to 5 years).
Training takes place during the week so if you have a child who would like to join us check out the details for your age group on our club website.
All pictures copyright Bernard Platt and available from him at bernard.platt1@btinternet.com
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