Rochdale Hornets LDP under 16s squad play first game at Hopwood Hall

Rochdale Hornets Under 16's squad play their first game

A new under 16s squad has been formed for the very first time at Rochdale Hornets.

The first-ever Rochdale Hornets LDP (Lions Development Pathway) under 16s squad took to the field against Greater Manchester neighbours Swinton Lions at Hopwood Hall College in an encouraging first performance for coaches Andy Bradshaw and Nick Howarth.

The game finished 28-12 to the more experienced Swinton team.

Craig Fisher, Hornets Sporting Foundation Manager, was delighted, saying: "It's a real statement and further evidence of the development philosophy of our foundation and professional club to be putting these building blocks in place to help develop Hornets of the future.

"We've extensively consulted with the RFL and also Community Clubs to understand the landscape and produce something that will not just be top quality moving forward, but allow us to set new standards for our youth development programmes in the borough with the support of our key partners.

"A big thank you to our facilities partner Hopwood Hall, the players, their families and Rochdale Mayfield, Leigh East, Pilkington Recs, Waterhead Warriors and Golborne Pirates, who have some tremendous young people involved with their respective clubs - and now our great club as well."

Parents and guardians of players who are interested in getting involved can contact Craig directly via email: craig.fisher@hornetsrugbyleague.com