After a 2024 season that has contained few happy moments, Hull FC will use their final fixture against Catalans Dragons at the KCom Stadium on Saturday to pay tribute to the retiring Danny Houghton and a number of other departing players – while also celebrating the huge steps the club has taken in terms of inclusivity in recent years, which underpin their plans for a brighter future.
Following a successful campaign for the Academy team which saw them reach the Semi Finals, the club’s new intake will sign their contracts before kick-off, and then be introduced to supporters at half-time.
They will be joined by Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Women’s and Girls teams, while players and staff from the club’s LDRL and PDRL teams will be involved in the Magic Moments experience on the field before kick-off.
The PDRL presentation will be another special moment for Matt Davies and his son Corey. Matt, a local veteran, recently obtained his Level 2 coaching qualification, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation’s “Set of Six” programme – while Corey, who has Cerebral Palsy, is one of many youngsters who have relished the opportunities provided by Physical Disability Rugby League.
Hull FC linked up with city rivals Hull KR this week to release figures showing that the sport is booming, with a 67% increase in junior participation since 2018.
Hull FC’s Academy Football Manager Sasch Brook, said: “The City of Hull and District Rugby League is flourishing at present. Since 2019 to present, the growth of the game has seen numbers rise significantly.
“We have numerous events throughout the course of the calendar year for the benefit of the young players.
“A couple of yearly highlights include the Finals Days and East vs West event which are held at Sewell Group Craven Park, and the City of Hull and District Craven Parkstaff are always looking at ways on improving year by year in a wide range of elements.
“We have increased our sponsorship and partnerships with a wide range of organisations over the past five years and this is something which we are pleased with, but at the same time understand that maintaining our relationships is essential moving forward in all areas.”
Hull KR’s Head of Academy, Jason Netherton, said: “Hull KR are immensely proud of the City of Hull and District Rugby League Management Board, both professional club Foundations, community clubs, Hull City Council and schools for their hard work to significantly increase the participation numbers of junior rugby league players within Hull and the surrounding areas.
“The sport has gone through some very hard times in recent years, in particular with COVID 19, so to show such a significant increase in numbers from every community club is really uplifting
“I often see comments on social media that the game is dying and that children no longer want to play the game due to rule changes but these figures show that we in Hull are leading the way to negate that narrative.
“We have also seen two new community club form with the Bransholme Bears and Kingswood Knights starting within the last 3 years which is another significant step forward
“We will continue to work collaboratively across the city and ensure our young rugby league players have the best experience as possible.
“Particular thanks needs to go to Rob Wilson and Sasch Brook who have been the main drivers behind the East v West concept, expansion on the Development Days to now cover all ages and securing enough sponsorship that enabled the community clubs to receive over £20,000 from the COHDRL this year alone.”
