Rovers had their first full time Community Development Officer in June 2005 when Kevin Hobbs was appointed with the remit to re-establish Rugby League in the local area and introduce it into less traditional areas close to Featherstone. This was a time when, nationally, there were concerns that sport in schools was dying and certainly locally there was less commitment than there had been in years gone by.

Initially work was done in local schools, both primary and secondary, to encourage young people to acquire skills and get enjoyment in sport as a whole, but particularly in RL. Encouragement was also given to the teachers in the schools with the result that some of these acquired coaching qualifications themselves.

Money came from UK Sport who provided matched funding for such initiatives as 'Girls In A League Of Their Own' and 'A Whole New Ball Game'. The latter of these had the aim to promote RL in the areas of the Wakefield District where traditionally it had not been seen as the major sport. Hemsworth and Moorethorpe were two of the areas targeted. At the moment there are other similar schemes in the pipeline to further enhance local sporting opportunities.

Today Kevin has a full timetable, visiting schools five days a week as well as producing all the paper work involved in planning and funding for the future.

This year a summer scheme is planned which will involve, amongst others, Olympic athlete Marcus Adam, who has been working with the club since the turn of the year, both in the community and in first team training. It is also hoped, in the future, that with Community Investment Funding it may be possible to increase the staffing so that more schools in the South East of the district can benefit. Extra help would also mean that initiatives such as breakfast clubs and after school clubs could be investigated.

As well as all these sporting opportunities regular contacts are made with local community groups so that The Chris Moyles Stadium can be seen and used as a centre for the whole area.

This community involvement was recognised last year when Rovers were named as National League Community Club of The Year 2007.

If you would like to know more about Development opportunities you can contact Kevin at the club.

email: coaching@fevrovers.plus.com

phone: 01977 781676