THE Giants have taken steps ensure they maintain their strong youth development policy.

The club have promoted Peter Riding to become the clubs Head of Youth Development for 2012, and appointed Steven Hardisty into the player performance role that Riding vacates.

Riding, who follows on from Damian McGrath, said: “I am delighted to have been offered the role of Head of Youth Development here at the Giants.

“Huddersfield is a club that has a rich and proud history and I feel honoured that I can be a part of its future.”

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis paid tribute to the previous youth leader Damian McGrath and said: “It was always part of Damian’s remit to create a clear pathway and structure for both players and coaches at the club to progress and this is a fine example of the legacy he leaves.

“Damian’s three-year plan has been implemented and the results are starting to show now which we expect to be built upon as time progresses.

“Peter has been working towards this role now for a number of years and we are delighted to give him the opportunity.

“Below Peter we welcome Steven, who was a volunteer within the academy coaching set up as well as working full time in our community department.

“He was the successful candidate chosen from many high level applications for the player performance role.”

“It is particularly pleasing that having looked at a number of candidates our own ‘home grown’ coaches proved to be the best appointments to make.

“We expect Peter to be announcing some amendments to the coaching and support structures shortly for the grades below the first team all of which have the common aim of improving our players and giving them the best possible environment in which to flourish and ultimately become full-time Super League players.”

Riding added: “My vision is to develop an Academy of excellence that producers professional players for the Giants.

“I intend to achieve this vision by selecting young players with outstanding potential and providing them with the best possible environment and resources to develop their personal, social, academic and technical needs.

“The environment in which we develop players is vitally important.

“At the Giants we are aiming to create an Academy programme that serves the needs of young players.

“We want to provide each player with the best chance to progress to Super League status.

“We acknowledge the needs of players as young people and hope whatever the duration of their involvement with the club, they will have benefited from being part of the Giants Academy programme.”