Last updated 19:43, Thursday, 26 June 2008

A GROUND-BREAKING new rugby league club is to be formed to give the county’s top teen talent the chance to shine on the national stage.

DEVELOPMENT: Alan Davidson

It is proposed that West Cumbria U18s will play in the Gillette National Youth League, and invitations this week are being sent to the county’s amateur clubs asking for nominations for players, team coaches and managers.

The initiative is being overseen at present by a committee of Alan Davidson, club and coach development officer for Cumbria, Roger Blair and Joe Elliott, both leading figures on the local amateur scene, ex-Workington Town No2 Gary Hewer, and Haven reserve-grade boss Dave Smith.

Nominations should be in by July 11 and a trial game is planned for July 23 at Distington.

Davidson said: “This is a new venture that will provide opportunities for players coming out of the U16s, as well as current U18s.

“It will be a good chance for players to progress further in their own age group, potentially to Great Britain Community Lions level.

“It’s a pathway for them to achieve their goals. And it gives them another year in a competition where they are playing like-with-like.”

There is no U18 league in Cumbria at present and Kells and Hensingham, who last year fielded teams in the national youth competition, will not take part next season.

The GB Community Lions will this year twice face the Australian Institute of Sport, and play France, home and away. And an end-of-year tour to Australia is also planned.

For more details phone Davidson on 075157 53675 or Elliott on 079270 82499.