Lions are boosted by new youth set-up

SWINTON Lions have made significant further steps towards securing the long-term future of the club with the launch of a youth development partnership.

A significant fundraising effort was required to ensure the Lions were able to see out last season after a winding-up order was issued by HMRC, but the latest announcement continues the recent bright news for fans of the club.

Former Swinton player Neil Hayden is the club’s community foundation manager and will work to engage local schools and community clubs in Swinton and the wider Manchester area.

“With all the fantastic work and optimism around the town since Andy Mazey became Swinton chairman, it’s clear the club is only going in one direction,” said Hayden, who will oversee the Category 3 Academy that will be set up in partnership with The Rugby College, based at Salford Sports Village.

“This will give head coach Stuart Littler the option to look at players from our own Swinton Lions Academy side moving forward.

“The Rugby College is a full-time educational scholarship where both male and female learners train on a daily basis, as well as having educational lessons at Salford Sports Village.

“Therefore this partnership puts in place a fantastic opportunity for any young player who aspires to play professional rugby league with Swinton Lions.”

Last month, the club confirmed plans to form a partnership with Moorside Rangers Football Club and develop the Agecroft site into a community sports facility and stadium, returning the club to Swinton for the first time since leaving Station Road in 1992.

“We fully accept and understand that having been away from our home town for 25 years, there have been insufficient opportunities for local youngsters to progress through to the Lions’ ranks,” said chairman Mazey.