Sky Try & Schools

Sky Try is all about helping more children enjoy Rugby League nationwide. It’s a ground breaking partnership initiative between the RFL, Sky and the Rugby League Foundations.

The Sky Try campaign inspires children and young people through professional Rugby League clubs and major Rugby League events. Sky Try is changing the future of Rugby League by giving hundreds of thousands of children and young people a high quality introduction to the sport and helping them to find more playing local opportunities – from school teams to local community clubs and the award-winning talent pathway.

Bradford Bulls Foundation delivers to dozens of primary and secondary schools every year, helping 1,000s of children and young people have fun, get active, grow in confidence and enjoy Rugby League.

Our priorities under the Sky Try programme are detailed below. If you would like your school to take advantage of this fantastic programme, contact our Head Coach & Schools Development Officer, Ryan Hunkin.

Sky Try Primary Rugby League

The Sky Try Primary Rugby League programme is targeted at Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 boys and girls in primary school and community settings. The main outcomes of the programme are:

• Increase the number of Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 children experiencing high quality Rugby League delivery in schools;
  • Each primary school receives a minimum of 5 weeks consecutive coaching, followed by a next steps event such as a special assembly or participation festival.
• Increase the number of people receiving training on the new Primary Rugby League format to help ensure appropriate coach delivery;
  • All primary teachers in the Sky Try project are offered continuing professional development (CPD) to enable them to continue to promote Rugby League as an activity in their school.
• Provide more opportunities for Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 children to participate in Rugby League outside of the school curriculum.
  • Sky Try Primary Rugby League delivers in clusters of primary schools around selected community clubs and is focused on 8-9 year olds (Key Stage 2).
  • The Foundations work with the local clubs to help upskill coaches at Primary Rugby League age groups through coach development CPD.

Sky Try Local School Competition and Player Development

The Sky Try Secondary Rugby League programme targets Key Stage 3 (Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9) boys in a school setting. The main outcomes of the programme are:

• Increase the number of Key Stage 3 (years 7-9) boys experiencing high quality Rugby League delivery in schools;
• Provide more regular playing opportunities within the school environment for Key Stage 3 boys;
• Improve Rugby League delivery by teachers working with Key Stage 3 boys.
  • Sky Try offers CPD workshops for secondary school teachers and community coaches of U12-U14 to help young players stay and succeed in Rugby League.

The programme may also be delivered to Key Stage 3 girls.

Sky Try Play Touch

Play Touch is a 6 week Touch Rugby League workout project aimed at increasing the number of girls participating at Key Stage 3 and 4 (12 – 15). It is focused on fun activity and growing confidence.

Big Games Bigger

The Sky Try Big Games Bigger programme is targeted at Sky Try participants, community clubs and the wider community.

The inspiration of professional Rugby League players and clubs is helping grow the number of children, young people and family spectators at club matches and RFL major events. The main outcomes of the programme are:

• Provide unique opportunities for participants involved in the Sky Try programme to be involved in major events from Super League games to Magic Weekend and Summer Bash.
• Increase the number of spectators attending Rugby League matches
• Engage more people to become involved in Rugby League