Whitehaven Rugby League stars inspire pupils to achieve their dreams

The Decommissioning Alliance (TDA) have teamed up with Whitehaven Rugby League on its community foundation programme, which aims to encourage pupils to go after their goals.

So far they have worked with West Cumbria Learning Centre in Distington and Whitehaven, and St Begh’s Catholic Junior School in Whitehaven.

Whitehaven RL player Lachlan Lanskey with one of the pupils he has been working with (Image: TDA)

Three players, Alex Bishop, Lachlan Lanskey and Lucas Castle, have been attending the schools over the past six weeks to spend time with the children and act as role models to them, by helping with their work, playing sport and ‘just generally being there to listen to them’.

Alex Bishop said: “Our programme has seen us complete three schools now and the feedback has been great. The response from staff is that the students have been more engaged and look forward to our return after each session.

“The lads feel like they are making a difference and a really good impression within the community. We are looking forward to continuing the programme throughout the year with more schools on the calendar”.

Alex Bishop, Lachlan Lanskey and Lucas Castle are inspiring youngsters to work hard to achieve their dreams (Image: TDA)

Carol Morgan from the West Cumbria Learning Centre at Distington, said: “It’s been a fantastic start to the programme. Lucas made his debut in art, Lachlan was welcomed into maths, Alex sat in on a restorative meeting with KS2, then proceeded to listen to them read.

“They finished off with a session on the yard. All had a great time. Great lads, making a difference with the kids. Positive male role models.”

Carl, a Year 10 pupil, said: “I enjoyed playing football, even though I’m not keen on sport.”

Pupils have enjoyed playing sports alongside the Whitehaven RL players (Image: TDA)

Reece from Year 11 said: “They inspired us to challenge them in sport and helped with my English speaking and listening project.”

Grant Taylor, Whitehaven RLFC Director, said "When I joined the board at Whitehaven RLFC, one of my priorities was to restart the Copeland Rugby League Community Foundation.

The players have been working with pupils at West Cumbria Learning Centre in Distington and Whitehaven (Image: TDA)

“This programme used to run a few years ago and was invaluable in giving something back to the community. The foundation has charitable status and with the support of the TDA it has supported the restart of the programme, both financially and with general support from their staff.

“We look forward to working with the TDA moving forward and building the foundation even bigger and better, covering more of the local community."