Northallerton Stallions’ preparations are well underway ahead of a challenging second season in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference, which starts in earnest on 2nd May.

2009 has seen a restructuring of the competition, which means the Stallions move from the defunct Yorkshire division to a seven-team North East conference alongside Peterlee Pumas, Sunderland, Jarrow Vikings, Winlaton Warriors, Newcastle Knights and Whitley Bay Barbarians.

“Although the boys suffered badly in a very tough Yorkshire division last season they were relishing the chance to measure progress against the same teams. The restructure means that won’t happen but the challenges this new structure offers us are just as exciting and we are raring to get going” said head coach Steve Worsnop.

The district’s only Rugby League outfit have a number of pre-season games in the pipeline starting with the visit of National Conference side Gateshead Storm on 29th March and also the club’s first nine a side tournament on 5th April.

Although pre-season training officially started at Christmas, the players had little time for rest in the autumn as they embarked on a series of conditioning sessions ahead of that. “We recognised that base fitness was an issue during our first season” said Worsnop “so we put together a 13-week fitness and conditioning programme to address this. The guys had a month off after our last game in August and then reported back for duty. This demonstrated to me, their commitment to the Stallions and their desire to develop”.

As the club enters its second year a number of key developments are planned including a schools coaching programme and a recruitment drive to encourage new players to come and try the sport. “We are committed to taking the club forward and establishing both the Stallions and the great sport of Rugby League as an integral part of the regions sporting and socials community. We see the schools programme as a key part of this and also want to encourage adults to come along and have a go at the sport in a professional and friendly environment” said Worsnop.

New players are always welcome and will be given high quality coaching and advice from the club’s qualified coaching team.
Training takes place at Northallerton Rugby Club, Brompton Lodge on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.00pm and no previous experience in needed.

For more information on the club, playing, helping or just supporting just call Steve on 01609 773222

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