After training for seven weeks, the newly-established Workington Zebras Under-11s have enjoyed their first festival.

For the first time, the club decided to establish an Under-11s side.

After a few taster sessions last season, numbers were boosted thanks to Seaton Rugby League who have encouraged their players to give rugby union a try.

This is something which has been done previously at other age groups with great success.

The lads attended their first training session back in October and thoroughly enjoyed it, coming back down regularly ever since.

Training has involved plenty of fun varied games where the kids have been showing some great skills, acknowledged with plenty of high fives from coaches.

Sixteen of the players were available to attend their first festival at Cockermouth RUFC.

The games are nin-a-side at that age and with Workington having so many players, they were able to support a Barbarians team, made up of players from a variety of clubs.

This provided another opportunity for the lads to learn from players they had never met before.

The young Zebras played games against Carlisle, Penrith 1s and 2s and St Benedict’s. They all had a fun time, learning and improving each game, both from themselves and from noticing things that other teams did well.

The side was strongly supported by parents, coaches and some Workington first team players, who all thought the youngsters did really well in their first ever games of rugby union.

A Zebras official said: “All 16 of them gave it a great go and showed some impressive team moments when trying to score a try and made some courageous tackles whilst trying to get the ball back.

“The lads had a great time and are looking forward to the next festival in January.

They even identified areas that they think they need to work on – rucking and getting the ball to the space.

“The coaches have agreed to add these into the fun games beginning at the next Under-11’s training session at 10am on Sunday.”

All newcomers are welcome. No previous experience is necessary and training is open to boys and girls.

Due to the successful establishment of the Under-11s Workington are now looking to start an Under-8s side.

Training for the Under-8s will be on Wednesdays from 6pm– 7.30 pm. All new players (boys and girls) are welcome.