Woody pivotal in LSH’s future

Mar 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THE recent developments in junior rugby at Liverpool St Helens are set to continue with the award of a second Sportsmatch grant to the club linked with sponsorship from Distrupol.

The first Sportsmatch grant led to the full-time appointment of a youth development officer, Paul Woodward, and the new grant continues his appointment and enables further progress.

LSH Chairman John Bithell said: “The club is grateful to Sportsmatch for their continued support together with Distrupol. Woody’s appointment has proved to be the catalyst for the progress with the mini and junior sections.”

The speed of development at LSH has been staggering. In just over a year the club has established eight junior sides from aged seven upwards together with two colts teams, all made possible through Woodward’s work in the local community and with local schools.

“The first big challenge was getting access” said Woodward. “However I was soon delivering sessions on exercise, healthy lifestyles and sport in general as well as coaching rugby.”

The LSH director of rugby has since been involved with 27 primary schools as well as Cowley, De La Salle and Rainford High.

“The next phase was to recruit volunteers and coaches” he said. “And the response has been magnificent.”

The whole process is now underpinned by a vibrant and hard-working committee under the guidance of junior section chairman John Foster.

Rory Orlandi, headteacher at St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School in St Helens is in no doubt about the benefit to the children in his school.

He said: “Paul Woodward and first team player Luke Carter have been excellent, highlighting the importance of fitness and exercise. The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and look forward to them. Long may they continue.”