BRADFORD Bulls have joined a host of Super League and Championship clubs in the Embed the Pathway programme.

The programme is a joint venture between the club and the Bradford Bulls Foundation, who are funding a post to specifically support the programme.

Foundation chief executive Mark Winder said: “There has been an 18% rise of the number of registered players in Bradford in the past 12 months and we want to make sure all players get the best coaching possible. This programme allows this to happen.

“We want to support the pathway of young players and by adopting the programme we are supporting coaches and players be the best they can be. It fits very nicely alongside our 'Community Club Connections’ Offer.”

The programme, in association with the RFL, is designed to develop the talent of young teenagers in the local area.

It offers schools and community clubs access to continued professional development to enhance their knowledge of player development, training the community coaches and teachers to training and developing future stars.

The programme’s aim is developing future England players and the Bulls have produced many of those, in particular, John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead, who are both Bradford-born.

“The RFL Performance Department are delighted to be working in partnership with Bradford Bulls to develop and increase the size of the talent pool in the City of Bradford,” said Tony Fretwell, the RFL’s National Player Development Manager.

“There is a long tradition of talent progressing from the Bulls and this work will enhance schools and community club development to provide increased quality entering the Bradford Bulls Academy.

“However, it’s far more than that with Embed the Pathway. By access to high quality coaching and teaching, youngsters in the city will be better, recruited in growing numbers and more likely to be retained by our sport, regardless of whether their destination is the Provident Stadium or one of the fine community clubs in Bradford.

“Bradford Bulls are fully committed to Embed the Pathway and it is fantastic to be part of the commitment shown by James Lowes, John Bastian, Andy Harland and the Bradford Bulls Foundation, for the work.”

“The RFL Embed the Pathway partnership will support the progress and development of junior players and coaches throughout the community and secondary schools,” said the Bulls’ Head of Youth, John Bastian.

“Bradford Bulls will deliver a program that will challenge the coach ability, behaviours and attitude, which contributes to developing young players.

“We will also be looking at the mental attributes, skills and technical aspects of rugby league, as well as the athletic movement and control of the players. Coaches will be offered workshops to further develop and improve their knowledge and approach to coaching junior players.

“It’s an exciting time and both the Bulls performance department and Foundation are looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Managing director Steve Ferres said: “Our decision to partner the Rugby Football League’s Embed the pathway scheme demonstrates the club’s on-going commitment towards developing talent in the Bradford area.

“The scheme will be implemented in conjunction with the Bradford Bulls Foundation, who are continuing to enhance their outstanding reputation for work in the Bradford community.”