St Cuthberts

[medlocke]

Been saying it for years

[cpwigan]

Been saying it for years

It seems logical and sensible. Almost fool proof Meds but life in reality is often complex.

I now believe that whatever time of year you play a sport in the UK you cannot guarantee the weather will be ideal but more importantly the culture of British people is increasingly to use summer and vacations top holiday etc with family or at the very least indulge in family activities. In the depths of winter, cold and wet people are far less inclined to indulge in family activities and thus are more likely to watch sport live or on TV.

Summer sports such as cricket have never attracted huge attendances so what makes us think we are different? We also lose out on tours from international teams and we lose the opportunity for superstars to play both in SL and the NRL in the same calendar year and hopefully remain in RL. We also lost traditions like Xmas/New Year and Easter attendances.

Playing conditions wise, increasingly youngsters are playing on 3G / $G pitches anyhow

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

We have also got to remember that this is not all about supplying players for professional clubs it is also about maintaining a community, building life long friendships, taking lads off the street and getting them involved in sport as well as building a future fan base for professional clubs.

Small things lead to bigger things and this could be the next step in the demise of this great sport.

[cpwigan]

We have also got to remember that this is not all about supplying players for professional clubs it is also about maintaining a community, building life long friendships, taking lads off the street and getting them involved in sport as well as building a future fan base for professional clubs.

Small things lead to bigger things and this could be the next step in the demise of this great sport.

Very much and I believe amateur clubs almost being forced to move to summer has been a negative. The majority of working class men are focussed upon family holidays, looking after children during their school summer vacation period.

[Owd Codger]

We have also got to remember that this is not all about supplying players for professional clubs it is also about maintaining a community, building life long friendships, taking lads off the street and getting them involved in sport as well as building a future fan base for professional clubs.

Small things lead to bigger things and this could be the next step in the demise of this great sport.

Very much and I believe amateur clubs almost being forced to move to summer has been a negative. The majority of working class men are focussed upon family holidays, looking after children during their school summer vacation period.

**When kids rugby was being played in the winter, the number taking part was in decline!

From what I have been told that problem has now been rectified.

And how many parents these days are looking after their kids during the Teachers summer rest period when both are working to make ends meet or live above themselves?

**Fixed your post - Josie

[Owd Codger]

Anyone involved in the running of rugby and indeed football teams will tell you that as lads go older the less interested they become in playing.

Look at league tables at junior level in both rugby and football and you will fined numerous divisions at under 9's level, but by the time it reaches the Under 18's most are down to one division and sometimes clubs are playing each other twice at home and away due to the lack of teams.

[x Wigan Warrior x]

16s & 18's are the hardest age to keep going, with the 16's being picked for scholarship and 18's work commitments. Its hard graft and having a good camaraderie within the Club and squads helps massively.

[slimshady]

16s & 18's are the hardest age to keep going, with the 16's being picked for scholarship and 18's work commitments. Its hard graft and having a good camaraderie within the Club and squads helps massively.

The scholarship has a lot to answer for, young lads have their heart set on playing pro and if they don't make it they seem lost to the amateur game. Don't know if its they think they're to good for it or embarrassment but lots of lads seem to turn their back on the game.
18's are different I don't think its work as such, more kids go away to University and if they do work its girls, clubbing or buying a car and paying for insurance which probably stops them as they cant afford time off if injured.

[Owd Codger]

Thankfully, the professional game in Rugby League is not as bad as in professional Football where good home produced young lads are not getting the chance to become professionals because of more and more clubs getting foreign players because like many jobs outside Football, they come cheap.

And before anyone replies, I am not talking about known star players at the top level clubs, but unknown players in the lower Divisions which are increasing at a alarming rate.