Mini Gladiators – the children’s arm of Chester Gladiators – are running four sessions intending to provide children with a fun, safe and controlled taster for contact rugby.

All of the sessions will be ran by RFL-qualified coaches and the programme will teach the most essential skills in contact rugby for children of all abilities between ages four and 11.

Sessions will be held at the Old Chapel in Hoole on Sunday mornings at 10.15am and the club has space for more children.

Coach Tin Wilcock believes the development of rugby league in the city will only expand with the growth of more children playing the game.

“The junior and mini sections are the future for Chester Gladiators,” he said.

“It is really encouraging to see the players develop and hopefully field teams to provide a presence next season to represent our city.

“The use of indoor padded facilities will give us an ideal environment to introduce contact skills in a safe and reassuring way whilst avoiding the wet, cold and muddy distractions of winter.”

As a well-known club in the community of Chester, Gladiators are most commonly recognised for their younger age groups and the volunteers who are heavily involved in the day to day running of their age group.

Gladiators have been working with Super League giants Warrington Wolves to develop the sport in Chester. Coaches from the Wolves delivered sessions to children at Highfield Primary School in Blacon and Upton Heath Primary School shortly before Christmas.

In addition, first team players also lend a hand at training sessions which is admired by all of the supporters and volunteers at the club.

Darker nights in winter restrict the chances of holding training sessions in daylight which is why the floodlit facilities at Upton-by-Chester High School, where outdoor sessions have been held, are a massive help for the club.

Sessions cost £3 per child but parents can pre-book four sessions for £10. Numbers are limited to ensure children so there is an appropriate ratio of coaches to children.

For more details call 07512 355396 or email info@chestergladiators.com.