Nursery children and staff are supporting young rugby players on an Australian rugby tour.
Harrison Lister attended Portland House Nursery in Lindley from the age of two.
Now aged 16 he has returned to help the children develop their physical and social skills through the enjoyment of rugby.
As a thank you the nursery has supported Harrison with fundraising for his under 16’s Siddal Rugby League team.
It has done this by sponsoring the Halifax-based team’s shirt.
The team have been fundraising for the last 20 months.
This is so that a team of 20 boys and three coaches can go on tour to Australia in August.
They will play games in Brisbane while also training, sightseeing and having the chance to watch Australian professional games. Harrison presented the team shirt to nursery children at one of their regular rugby sessions in Reinwood Park.
He was joined by Portland Nurseries’ general manager, Michael Murphy, recently back from his own rugby career playing for Cootamundra in Australia.
Joint general manager Anastasia Murphy said: “The rugby lessons are a big hit with all the children at Portland Nurseries.
“It provides a fun environment for children to learn about staying healthy and practice multiple skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, running, spatial awareness and above all team work.
“All of the staff are so proud to see Harrison growing up and doing so well at the sport he loves.
“We looked forward to him coming back and sharing what he’s learnt in Australia and telling all the children about his time there.”
