Rugby league is being introduced to schools in Spain with the first part of a programme launched successfully in Guadassuar, Valencia. More than 100 children aged between 8 and 14 participated in the two days led by Tony Palacios, director of the college of Spanish referees and Aitor Dàvila, director of college coaches. The second part of the programme is scheduled for later this month in Torrent.

Tony Palacios said, “It wasn’t easy to co-ordinate so many children in just two days but the experience was fantastic for everyone. They could not wait to tell us how much they had enjoyed it, as did their teachers, and it is possible that rugby league will be included in the school studies plan of Guadassuar next year.”

Aitor Dàvila added, “The Rugby League School project hopes to be a support for the clubs. If everything goes as we hope, Almogàvers XIII and Torrent Tigers could soon have their first youth teams. Rugby league is fantastic for kids, it is easy to learn and encourages camaraderie and teamwork among them. We are very pleased with this result.”