Progressive Sharks land Giant to coach juniors
AMBITIOUS Huddersfield Sharks have signed up old boy Eorl Crabtree, the highly-rated Giants forward, as a juniors coach.
The popular 21-year-old prop will take charge of the Under 12s, one of three new sides set up for the forthcoming winter season.
The Syngenta-based club have also created Under Eight and Under Nine teams, taking the total number of junior sides to eight.
That means the Sharks are well on the way to fielding 10 junior teams by 2007, one of the requirements of their admission to the senior National Conference League two years ago.
"The progress we've made is down to the hard work and dedication of coaches and parents," explained Tony Holroyd, the club's president and junior development officer.
"Recruiting Eorl is a great boost for the club. He was playing open-age for us in the days when we were based at YMCA when he joined the Giants.
"He is keen to put something back into the game at grass-roots level and we're delighted to have him!
"We now have 21 qualified coaches and we would welcome more.
"Anyone who wants to get involved as a potential coach, or just to help out, is more than welcome.
"The Syngenta facilities are superb for both playing and training.
"We have secured a third pitch to accommodate the extra junior sides and we are in the process of erecting floodlights on the main field. We are also planning to install an all-weather floodlit training area.
"We operate a safe and clean environment for childen of all ages, with a super clubhouse where mum and dad can relax while the kids are training and enjoying themselves."
The club have already staged a training session led by the Giants' development officer Frank Watene, who plays for Hull KR.
And there will be open training sessions on the next three Saturdays, starting tomorrow, with prospective players for the new age groups especially welcome (ring Jayne on 01484-308187 for details).
The Sharks senior side start their National Conference League First Division campaign at home to Cottingham Tigers on Saturday, September 4, aiming to improve on last season's fourth-place finish.
The Premier Division season starts tonight, when champions Siddal visit Leigh Miners Rangers.
