Thatto Heath Crusaders

I’ve been a life-long Rugby League fan since the early 1960s – my first Wembley game was 1966 Saints v Wigan. I’m so proud of the Abide With Me tradition, it reminds me of by-gone Wembley trips with my parents and brothers and latterly with my own sons and family.

I’m an ex-Blackbrook player (St. Helens), I retired at 35 and for the last 29 years I’ve been associated with Thatto Heath Crusaders (20+ teams and around 400 playing members) - recently called the biggest community club in the UK by the RFL.

I am a UKCC Level 2 badged coach, having previously coached at Saints Service Area, North West Counties and South Lancashire and I am currently Thatto Heath Crusaders Coach, Vice Chairman, Junior Section Manager, Coaching Mentor and Child Welfare Officer and in addition to my club commitment, I have also been BARLA Lancashire under-17s Coach for the last six years.

I am passionate about the sport of Rugby League – it is the best and most honest team sport in the world. Looking back at my experience with young players, in my opinion the sport teaches respect, self-confidence and discipline along with true life values and provides the opportunity for children to get fit and make lifelong friends in a safe and effective environment.