Community Director Phil Hodgson provides an update on our community work:

Rugby League is about so much more than the 80 minutes on the pitch.  It is a vehicle for bringing people together and building stronger communities.  There is always much more we can do as a Club, but we can be rightfully proud of the strides we have taken in 2025, none of which would be possible without our small band of dedicated volunteers.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • New Players Association – we formed a new association which has seen over 100 ex-players re-engage with the Club and former friends.  40 have taken advantage of discounted season tickets.  As people get older loneliness and isolation can become a real issue, re-engaging old friends at games, the Friday Breakfast Club and reunions help counter this. 

We also linked with Rugby League Cares and provide members with regular updates on benefits they provide such as free access to Dementia Clinic Surgeries in the area.

  • Schools – we now have a place on the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Association and helped host this year’s schools finals at the South Leeds Stadium.  All the participants in the games were invited as guests, along with parents, to one of our games.

Our Head Coach and Player attended St Lukes Primary School to tell them about the Club, but more importantly run sessions with the children on what it means to be a good sports person, teammate and captain.  Former players visited Hunslet Carr Primary to tell the children about their time at the school and how they went on to play for Hunslet.

We held our Schools’ Handwriting Competition which saw over 251 entrants.  Jimmy Watson was on hand to present the winners with their prizes at the Middleton Show.

  • Community Clubs – the undoubted lifeblood of the game.  We reached out to our local clubs and provided season tickets for the coaches as a thank you for the great work they do.  We also made them a big part of our Season Launch Event to ensure they felt part of our Championship adventure.

We had a record number of Curtain Raisers throughout the season and are determined to have even more in 2026.

  • Community Groups –keen to attract a new audience to rugby league we reached out to various community groups and invited them to matches this season.  40 children and parents from the Hunslet & Belle Isle Community Group attended the Doncaster game and the South Leeds Lakers Running Club visited for the Halifax game.  The Brownies ere here in force for the  Sheffield and Toulouse games and had a great time.
  • The Breakfast Club – this is the jewel in the crown and has evolved over the last 3 years from a dozen or so ex-players to well over 60 attendees each week.  As well as a chance to meet up the regulars are keen to do their bit for others.  A cold weather clothes collection for St George’s Crypt was well supported, as was a walking challenge carried out by one of our volunteers that raised over £1000 for Prostate Cancer Research.

Earlier in the year we invited Citizens Advice Leeds along to inform people about eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.  We will look to build on this to ensure vulnerable members of our community receive all the support they are entitled to.

  • Work Experience – we are committed to helping young people to gain experience of professions in the sporting arena.  We worked closely with Leeds Beckett University and several of their students supported our Physio on post-match rehab for the players. We also provided experience for another Beckett student who is doing a great job with are Social Media Team.  Likewise, a pupil from Cockburn High School, received tuition from the Club photographer at training and matches.  It’s important we develop these relationships to play our part in bringing the next generation through.
  • Music House Leeds – we pride ourselves on giving one of the best hospitality experiences in the Championship.  To enhance the experience this season we hooked up with the Leeds musical charity and were privileged to help them showcase their amazing young performers.
  • The Hunslet Club Partnership – we are really excited about our association with the Hunslet Club and have already been able to share best practices on governance and social media.  Their outstanding work in the community coupled with our heritage and brand will benefit both organisations. 

The Club run a series of activities which help promote the game:

  • School Holiday Activity Camps – average attendance 25
  • Hunslet Mini’s for 3-5 year olds – average attendance 11
  • Schools Programme – 80 hrs/week reaching around 1600 children.
  • Hunslet Rugby Academy – coming in Sept 2026.
  • Summer Festivals – we were busy in June and July supporting various festivals (Leeds Active in Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Festival, Hunslet Festival and Middleton Railway Open Day), giving youngsters an introduction to rugby league.  Children loved the chance to test their speed and skills around a fun obstacle course as well meet Kingy the Lion. 
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  • North v South Series– in collaboration with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation we are once again hosting 5 of the Series’ 10 games at South Leeds Stadium in August.  This involves teams at U14s, U15s, U16/U17s.

We’ve achieved a lot in 2025 and it’s been great fun.  A massive thank you to everyone who has got involved. 

We want to build on this in 2026 so if you are up for getting involved please get in touch by emailing phodgsonhunsletrlfc@gmail.com.