YOUNG aspiring rugby players in Bolton have had their opportunities enhanced with the agreement from local Structural Engineering Company, William Hare to sponsor Bolton RUFC Junior section over a three-year period, to promote youth rugby within the Borough.

This funding has been doubled by sponsorship incentive scheme, Sports-Match A Business, whose aim is to provide a boost to grass roots sport and physical recreation throughout Britain.

The funding has allowed Bolton RFUC to appoint Development Officer, Alan Holmes, a Sports and Health Studies graduate who also plays for Kendal RUFC.

Alan is currently taking rugby to the local community, and in conjunction with the Bolton Metro's Health, Sport and Inclusion Team, is working in schools to promote the sport.

The first Rugby Festival took place at Bolton Rugby Club in Avenue Street, off Chorley Old Road, in which 12 teams from Bolton Schools, years 5 and 6 took part.

Multi-sport training takes place for juniors from under 8s to under 19s on Sundays 10am-12 noon and Wednesdays 7pm-8pm, all through summer.

For more information on how to take part in Rugby Union in Bolton, contact Alan Holmes, Rugby Development Officer on (01204) 334406 or 07973 420360 or email on rdo@boltonrugby.co.uk