Ilkley Rugby Union Football Club have taken another major step forward with the appointment of David Duxbury as their new full-time Community Rugby Development Officer.

A former Ilkley player who has played little this season because of back problems, former Bradford Salem member Duxbury took up the post on April 1.

But despite the choice of launch date, another important step forward at Stack's Field underlines that there is no fooling around at the West Yorkshire club these days when it comes to development.

Progress on the facilities front in recent seasons has been impressive, but thanks to the support of Skipton Financial Services, Magellan Residential and Myddelton Construction, in partnership with the Government's Sportsmatch scheme, this major step is for an initial one-year period.

It is hoped that funds will then be forthcoming to see the project through years two and three.

Also Kukri Sports, the club's kit supplier, have kindly agreed to supply kit required by the Development Officer free of charge.

Ilkley RUFC have been aware for some time of a shortfall in the provision of focused coaching in the education system.

And, while the club has made resources available via the work of West Yorkshire Rugby Development Officer John Lawn and John Bentley from Leeds Tykes, the new appointment is a major breakthrough.

Club chairman Richard Scargill said: "We are delighted that we can now provide a sustainable, quality rugby coaching programme to the schools in the area.

"We know there is a demand for it. The coaching will not only be for players, but also coaches.

"In this way the number of people qualified to deliver coaching increases and so does participation in the game.

"The Development Officer will also deliver those important lifestyle messages and

target minority groups to ensure everyone has a chance to take part in our wonderful game, as well as providing a pathway from school to club rugby.

"The number of players at Ilkley Rugby Club on a Sunday morning is testimony to the demand for the game and the benefit children and young people derive from it."

Junior section chairman Tom Gillon added: "This club provides a great service to the community and recognises its responsibilities to all the players.

"The club has shown a responsible attitude by obtaining the prestigious RFU Seal of Approval.

"This is a Sport England kitemark given only to clubs whose policies and their implementation are in accordance with guidelines laid down by the RFU and Sport England."