Young Broncos raring to go

London Broncos U18 Junior Academy is already working hard in preparation for their upcoming season, which kicks off in April.

Unlike the Tetley's Super League outfit, which is currently climbing sand dunes in Dubai, the young crew of aspiring professionals are being put through their paces at Brunel University, Osterley Campus.

While the sand dunes in west London might be few and far between, there are many other similarities the Academy outfit shares with Tony Rea's group of elite professionals. The Academy programme has been designed in conjunction with the Super League squad programme.

The coaching is led by Broncos Development Manager, Phil Jones, and mirrors on a lesser scale the programme of the Super League unit, combining essential elements of speed, strength, endurance and balancing those with appropriate skill sessions, as well as nutritional education and mental preparation.

London Broncos are always on the lookout for aspiring rugby league players who can adapt to the levels of skill and fitness required at the elite levels. If you think you have what it takes and would like to progress along the pathway to professional rugby league with the Broncos Academy, contact Phil Jones on 0208 2321564 or email: development@londonbroncos.co.uk

Field sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening between 7.00 - 8.30pm. All players are issued with a comprehensive weights and fitness programme to be done outside organised training times.

Jones is looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming season and believes that the squad can build on the success of last season which saw nine players achieve international honours at various levels, including Jonny Williams, who made the GB U/19 Students team, and who is now in Dubai with the Broncos first team.

Jones commented: "Our Academy programme is all about getting talented young men to the top. It's very rewarding to see someone like Jonny progress so well, and I know there will be more like him come through this season."

London Broncos will hold their annual season launch, which is open to the public to attend, on Monday 9th February. The venue is Watermans in Brentford. Tickets are just ?5 each and can be bought by calling 0871 222 1132.

For London Broncos Membership & Season Ticket enquiries, call - 0871 222 1132.

In other news:

London Broncos first home game in Tetley's Super League IX is against St Helens at 6pm on Saturday 6th March at Griffin Park - tickets for this big season opener can now be bought online at www.londonbroncos.co.uk or through the ticket booking hotline: 0871 222 1657

RUGBY LEAGUE SCHOOLS CUP APPROACHES ITS CLIMAX:

The phenomenally successful Powergen Champion Schools Cup this week reaches the semi final stage in London & The South. Twenty-nine teams will battle it out both North and South of the Thames in what promises to be a Rugby League extravaganza throughout the week.

The six service areas of London & the South are all represented and are keen to be crowned as Champions of London, promising a hugely competitive tournament as matters become serious for those still left.

The semi finals have been split into two separate conferences based on geographical location across the capital. North of the River sees Essex, Hertfordshire and North London locking horns, while South of the River West London, South East London and South London all do battle.

The winners of the two individual conferences will then playoff in what should be a classic North v South battle for the right to call themselves "Champions of London & the South."

This years semi finals bring some interesting stories to the fore, with Coopers' Company & Coburn School from Essex, prominent in Rugby Union having reached the final of the Daily Mail School Vase competition, bringing an added flavour to the final stages in London as they attempt to combine their prowess at Union across to League. In the Year 11 semi final they take on the Hertfordshire based, John F Kennedy School, with an historic name and being the largest Catholic school in Hertfordshire, it should make for a very interesting encounter.

Aylward school from North London include a dangerous trick up their sleeves. This could prove dangerous for opposing teams who could be mistaken for seeing triple. The Year 8 team from Aylward host a set of triplets in the side, Raustan, Reese and Ricky Gabriel being every commentators worst nightmare will prove to be an interesting challenge for both Redden Court and Cavendish Schools in the North of the River Semi Final for Year 8.

Feltham Community College from West London, a few years ago the easy beats of London Junior Rugby League, have transformed themselves into a very strong Rugby League school in a short period of time. Reaching the semi-final at three of the age groups they have done extremely well and will be looking to continue their good fortune by progressing through to the final stages of the tournament. The change in form has culminated in the recent announcement of Feltham's very own pupil, Ben Alade, being announced in the England schools squad at U/15 level.

The major coup for the finals of the Powergen Champion Schools Cup for London involves a "Festival of League", with Woolams at St Albans hosting the final day.

The present and future of Rugby League in London & the South will be on show, with each of the age groups building up to the London Barbarians vs. London Broncos match