Northern Rail has teamed up with the Leeds Rugby Foundation to sponsor the ‘Rhinos Junior Matchday Festivals’ project to offer junior rugby teams across Leeds and the wider Yorkshire area the opportunity to play at the Rhinos’ Super League home fixtures.

The project will also give children the chance to take part in classroom exercises at the Headingley Learning Centre to learn about the dangers of playing near railway lines.  On match days they will go behind the scenes on a special Headingley Carnegie Stadium tour, experience the build up to an engage Super League game, watch the game and participate in a junior rugby festival during half time.

David Wilkinson, Northern Rail’s Community Safety Manager, said: “We’re delighted that our partnership with Leeds Rugby Foundation will offer children a truly memorable experience as well as developing their interest in sport.

“We are really passionate about being involved in the communities that we serve and working in partnership with Leeds Rugby Foundation is an excellent example of how young people can have fun and learn new skills and discipline in a safe and supervised environment.

“A key part of our railway safety education programme is supporting diversionary activities and playing rugby league prevents the boredom that young people often cite as a reason for trespassing on the tracks and committing anti-social behaviour.

Chris Rostron, General Manager, Leeds Rugby Foundation, said:  “Being safe, respecting yourself, others and the places were we live, work and play are all key messages promoted by the Rhinos in the community. Experience has taught us that we all tend to learn more when we’re enjoying the experience and having fun”.

“Leeds Rugby Foundation’s new partnership with Northern Rail for the Rhinos Junior Matchday Festivals combines the two elements of education and fun perfectly. With Northern Rail’s support, many hundreds of children and their families will now be invited to the world famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium to enjoy all of the colour, excitement and entertainment of Super League as well as take part in the railway safety presentations with Ronnie the Rhino, see behind the scenes and play rugby on the famous turf”.

"We are extremely grateful to Northern Rail for their support of the Rhinos Junior Matchday Festival project which will undoubtedly provide many wonderful and memorable experiences for all of the children taking part. Everyone at Leeds Rugby Foundation and Leeds Rhinos hopes that one of enduring legacies will be that children remember to be safe, be positive and be healthy as a result”.