Local Lads Join 1st team - Club Press Release : Thu Sep 20, 2012 11:02 am
Cougars Incoming Head Coach Paul March has underlined his commitment to developing local rugby league talent , with the news that six of last seasons highly successful reserves are set to join the Cougar Park First Team Squad.Centre Jack Copperwaite , Prop Danny Snowden , Second row forwards Josh Lynham & Charlie Ecclestone along with half back Ben Stead have all come through the Cougar Cubs Youth Set up and they will be joined by Reserve Player of the Season Prop Ryan Patchett, who played his junior rugby with West Bowling in making the move to the Senior Squad.
"I really happy to be able to offer these 6 young local lads the opportunity to join the 1st team squad. They'll benefit greatly from training regularly with the senior players and working in a more professional environment. It will be up to them to take the opportunity to develop themselves as players and stake their claim for a 1st team place." commented March
All six players were regulars in the 2012 season reserve team coached by Dean Muir and have come through the Cougars Youth System headed up by Jeremy Crowther . With the exception of Ecclestone , all were part of the Clubs established Youth Scholarship Scheme from Under 12’s to Under 16’s and this Friday Night sees the Cougars latest batch of Scholars hold their Annual Presentation Evening at Cougar Park. (7.30pm), when the Outstanding Player at Under 16 level will receive the prestigious ‘Eddie Andrews Trophy’,