CHAMPIONSHIP team Yorkshire Carnegie teamed up with Yeadon-based Aireborough RUFC to host a free community rugby taster session in a bid to support the club with its current recruitment goals.

The session, which took place at the club’s home ground in Nunroyd Pavillion, was led by players Harry Newborn and Louis Brown, as well as six members of the Carnegie Community Team.

Over 15 children, aged between four and six, from across the district came along to meet the players and learn more about the sport of rugby union.

Throughout the session, the team focused on teaching the children about the core values of rugby through a variety of fun and stimulating games.

Children were also able to meet the players, as well as enjoy a free hot dog in the clubhouse with the rest of the team.

Lisa McCann, head of community at Yorkshire Carnegie RUFC, said: “As a team we are committed to supporting the development of rugby union across Yorkshire, so it was great to assist Aireborough with their current recruitment goals.

Over the past two years our relationship with the club has continued to strengthen and develop through the affiliation scheme, and we hope to keep seeing that relationship blossom with them and our other community clubs.”

Aireborough public relations and communications manager Gemma Birbeck said: “It was fantastic to see so many children from the community enjoying playing rugby, and we have the team at Yorkshire Carnegie to thank for making that happen.

“We hope to see more children get involved with rugby in the coming months ahead of our 50th anniversary in 2020.”

Currently home to 150 junior members between ages four and 17, Aireborough RUFC have been working hard to recruit new micro players, with a view to keeping rugby alive in the community and securing the future of their first XV.

The support from Yorkshire Carnegie has allowed the club to build new links and attract additional players.

Anyone interested in joining the club or to find out more information, contact Gemma Birbeck at birbeck6@googlemail.com or visit aireboroughrugby.com