THE Bradford Bulls Foundation is aiming to provide every schoolchild in the Bradford district with the "opportunity to play, participate in and consume rugby league."

Regular readers of the T&A's fortnightly Foundation page will know just how busy the Bulls' official charity has been already in 2017.

And in the latest update, Mark Winder, the Foundation's chief executive, sets out the organisation's aims going forward.

He said: "We aspire to make a positive difference in the Bradford community – we foster confidence, self-expression and heightened horizons in innovative exciting ways, working with over 40,000 people per year.

"We ensure that our community programme is varied to offer opportunities for all – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or disability.

"We also strongly adhere to our mantra of ‘creating opportunities and nurturing potential’, and our work is centred around increasing participation in sport and physical activity.

"Our ultimate aim is to provide every schoolchild in the Bradford district with the opportunity to play, participate and consume rugby league.

"The Sky Try project, which is delivered in primary and secondary schools, helps to support this aim, and over the last two years has supported grassroots participation.

"We also engage the community through initiatives including Junior Bulls Academy, Embed The Pathway, Wheelchair Rugby League and activity camps."

Here are just a few of the current initiatives and information about how to get involved:

Embed The Pathway programme underway.....

The Foundation's 2017 Embed The Pathway programme is now underway.

The programme is run in association with the RFL and is designed to develop the talent of under-12s, under-13s, under-14s and under-15s in the Bradford area.

Over the past two weeks, 60 young players have participated in block one of the programme.

Andy Harland, who coordinates the programme, commented: “I am delighted with the turnout we have had so far. There has been some fantastic talent from the young players and it is fantastic to see local clubs and coaches supporting the scheme..

Bookings for blocks two to four can be made by visiting bullsfoundationetp2017.eventbrite.co.uk or by emailing andy.harland@bullsfoundation.org

Primary rugby league workshop...

On Thursday, March 2, the Foundation will be holding a primary rugby league workshop for community coaches who run under 7s, 8s and under 9s teams.

Taking place within the Touchdown building at The Provident Stadium, attendees will gain an understanding of the benefits of primary rugby league and how to organise and run festivals.

The workshop is free to attend and can be booked by visiting primaryrugbyleaguebullsfoundation.eventbrite.co.uk

Foundation supports Winter Games

On Friday, February 17 the Foundation were delighted to support the Winter Games held at Hanson Academy for primary school and secondary school pupils.

The day saw over 1,000 children from across the Bradford district take part in various sporting activities.

The Foundation delivered a range of workshops including rugby skill sessions, multi-sport activities and dance sessions.

Sky Try benefitting primary school pupils...

Over the past six weeks the Foundation have been delivering their Sky Try programme to schools in the Bradford district, including Peel Park, Lidget Green, Fearnville, Byron and Green Lane Primary.

The programme seeks to develop grassroots participation in rugby league and help children develop and improve their physical skills.

Through engaging in the scheme, pupils also have the opportunity to meet Bradford Bulls first team players and attend various Foundation events.

For further information on the schools programme email christian.pattison@bullsfoundation.org

Events taking place in the coming weeks...

Junior Bulls Academy – Every Tuesday evening from 5.15pm- 6.45pm. Children aged 4-11 can participate in fun rugby activities at Richard Dunn Sports Centre.

Walking Rugby – 11am-12pm at The Mary Seacole Centre for men and women over the age of 50.

Affinity Sutton Rugby Sessions – From 6pm every Wednesday, children can participate in rugby activities held at Bradford Dudley Hill Rugby Club.

For further information regarding any of these events please email info@bullsfoundation.org or call 01274 729728.