Rugby league stars have given a crash course in sporting skills to potential players of the future.

Workington Town RLFC players are coaching youth players from community clubs in the area in a series of training sessions to bring on the next generation of rugby rising stars.

Town players trained with Ellenborough Rangers ARLF youngsters from the Maryport club’s under-10s and under-12s teams Wednesday, with staff and first-team players Dec O’Donnell and Calvin Wellington paying a visit to Solway Park.

The League 1 club has committed to supporting players at community clubs and Town director Graeme Peers said was “very important” that they do so.

Director Graeme Peers said “We see our role as the professional club in the area to help support and inspire young people to get active and play sport.

“The benefits for all are clear and we are aligning to those benefits as much as we can on a number of levels.”

Progression from the community clubs into the semi-professional game is important to the club, which is based at Derwent Park.

“We’re delighted to be involved with Ellenborough Rangers ARLFC youth rugby and help them to produce more players capable of progressing in the game like current first-team players Ryan Wilson and Zac Olstrom, who are a credit to Ellenborough Rangers.”

Under-10s coach Darren Martin said that it was a motivational experience for the youngsters to learn from professionals and be inspired by Ryan and Zac.

He said: “They’re two local lads that came from Elbra and progressed through the youth system; it just shows the kids what you can do if you set your mind on it.”

“It’s a new initiative; they’re trying to get involved in grassroots, it all helps both clubs.

“It does motivate the kids, they look up to them, they really enjoyed that session.”

Ellenborough are looking to add more age groups to their youth offering and anyone who is interested in getting involved can call Craig Holdsworth on 07912983700.