Bulls target young offenders

The UK?s most successful Rugby Club, Bradford Bulls, will spend Tuesday 16th December at the Wetherby Young Offenders Institute as a prelude to the launch in February of a unique scheme targeting the fitness and lifestyle of young offenders.

The scheme, to be known as ?Bullwhip?, will see the Bulls Community Development Officer, Nigel O?Flaherty ? Johnston seconded to the Bradford Youth Offending team on two days per week to work with young offenders in the city.

The Bulls First Team Squad will travel to Wetherby Young Offender Institute and will conduct a full training session, to be watched by the young offenders as well as delivering Lifestyle and Fitness messages aimed at the Trainees.

Nigel O?Flaherty ? Johnston is excited at the prospect of working with the Youth Offending Team:

?Bradford Bulls are a big part of the local community and I am delighted to be able to work in this very important area. Our profile will be a big help in getting our message across regarding fitness and lifestyle.?

Sandy Young, of the Centre said:

?The Prison Service is keen to be in partnership with areas of the community who will act as role models to the Trainees. The success of Bradford Bulls and their participation in this project will help the Trainees raise their self esteem and prevent re offending.?

Colin Barker of the Bradford Youth Offending Team said:

?The Bradford Youth Offending Team works closely with Wetherby YOI to ensure that young offenders returning to the community continue to benefit from the lifestyle changes that they have experienced whilst in custody. We particularly welcome the linkup with Bradford Bulls to help promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and it demonstrates our commitment to encouraging young people to turn away from criminal and anti-social behaviour?.