Rochdale Hornets RLFC

OUR PROGRAMMES

Wheelchair Rugby League

Rochdale Hornets is proud of its continued commitment to inclusion and diversity and hosts a Wheelchair Rugby League offer which is open to anyone of any gender, age or ability (you do not have to be a wheelchair user or have a physical disability to join). Hornets Wheelchair Coach, Pete Hird has made considerable steps this year in forging strong relationships with Super League clubs and in raising the profile within the Wheelchair Rugby League Community. A lifelong Rugby League fan, Pete says “Since watching the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Wheelchair tournament, I fell in love with the whole concept. I love that the game is fully inclusive and allows those with and without athletic prowess to join in a team sport. We focus on team ethos and instilling a culture which ensures we are all proud of our achievements and learn from all our games, employing tactics and strategies to constantly develop and improve. I am keen for Rochdale to be respected as having a strong team spirit and great sportsmanship, and to become one of the leading Wheelchair Teams in the League. We’re taking the team to the next level and can now proudly say that we have International and Super League players, players from all backgrounds and abilities, including children as young as 10 as well as England’s Strongest Disabled Man within our first team! Although the team currently competes in the BetFred Rugby League Championship, anyone is welcome to come along to training sessions even if they don’t feel inclined to join in the competitive side of the game (but if you train, we guarantee, you’ll want to play!) Training is held on Thursday evenings from 6pm at Rochdale Leisure Centre, sessions are two hours long. Sports wheelchairs/equipment is provided during training and play (players are asked to arrive at least 10 mins before sessions start to allow for equipment to be allocated). If you’d like to come along and watch or give it a try, please contact Pete.Hird@hornetsrugbyleague.com

Schools Coaching

We provide coaching for children in both primary and secondary schools all over Rochdale, introducing kids from across the borough to the sport of rugby league and developing ideas of fitness, teamwork and healthy living as well as the core skills of the sport.

Womens Rugby League

New players are welcome to Rochdale Hornets ladies team, with training being held at Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale. “This year we are planning on building on last year’s successes, where we were able to build a team from scratch and within a season, build a competitive team which had to play against teams who had been playing together for years,” said head coach David Chrimes. “Half of the team had never played rugby league before, so they needed to be taught how to pass, tackle and run. “That being said, we are looking forward to improving in all areas. “In attack we scored some great tries, where we could use our handling skills and extra pace to outflank the opposition. “But the most important thing this year is to help the team build their confidence, and with the girls supporting each other in all areas of their lives. “This will help build their team spirit and help them find the physical and mental strength to grow individually and as a team. “We are very excited to be training alongside the men’s side at Hopwood Hall College, using their fantastic facilities. “We hope to see plenty of faces down in a week’s time.” Please register your interest by emailing foundation@hornetsrugbyleague.com.

ROCHDALE HORNETS SPORTING FOUNDATION

The Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation is committed to creating a healthier, happier and more resilient community. We aim to harness the power of sport to inspire communities and transform lives. The aims of our organisation:

Promote healthy choices and encourage our community to lead active, meaningful lifestyles
Work collaboratively to support the creation and maintenance of a thriving community.
Increase skills, confidence and self esteem of the most vulnerable to enable them to realise their potential and be the best they can be.
To support with building a safer and stronger community
Support young people to develop life and social skills and to access further education, training and employment
Provide more opportunities for inclusive physical activity, sport, well being and play, encouraging participation and inspiring progression.
Deliver excellence in all our work utilising a talented, passionate workforce with highly effective leadership and governance.

Foundation Fundraising