Young Wigan star Caine Barnes joined a host of Workington Town players at an open training session for young local players at Derwent Park on Thursday.
More than 100 children aged between six and 16 from local community clubs Seaton, Clifton, Distington, Aspatria, Maryport, Broughton Red Rose, Cockermouth, Glasson and Wath Brow were put through their paces by Town players and coaching staff.
Experienced players including Scotland International Callum Phillips, Welsh International Phil Joseph, team Captain Carl Forber, Jamie Doran, Gordon Maudling, Kieran Mewse and Phil Lister passed on their skills and knowledge to groups of players from the youth game in West Cumbria.
Marine Jackson, Workington Town Community Trust Manager, said: “the feedback from parents has been really positive.
“The session was all about engaging with our local clubs as we all work to ensure a vibrant future for Rugby League.
“Head Coach Dave Clark and his staff are ambassadors for our sport and I’d like to thank them for their fantastic input too the session.
Former Seaton Rangers player Barnes, 18, became a Wigan first team squad member for 2017 after strong performances for the club’s Under-19s and reserves – which also earned him a spot in the England Academy team.
Town Head Coach Dave Clark added: “Caine Barnes is a Super League player and a local lad who came through the community system at Seaton.
“It’s great that he joined Town players to give something back to the sport that they all love.
“Town is very much a club at the heart of our community and we have good relations with our community clubs.
“It was brilliant to see so many boys and girls training with the players they see running out at Derwent Park.
“We hope that it inspires them to train and play hard but, most importantly, enjoy their Rugby League.”
The session was so successful that another is already planned for a host of young Rugby League players on the waiting list.