THE War of the Roses will be fought in July as students from Haslingden High School will be taking on their Yorkshire counterparts at Rugby League.
Sky Sports is leading the initiative and approached the school because of Haslingden High School’s links to the Living for Sport programme.
Students have already been filmed having a coaching session with Leeds Rhinos and England Rugby League player Jamie Peacock MBE.
Rugby League, with 13 players, is not a traditional school sport, instead most schools choose to play Rugby Union, with 15 players.
PE Curriculum Leader Wes Haworth said: “We have 14 weeks coaching with Jamie and then we will play a match at Headingley, in Leeds, against Sherburn High School on Friday July 3.
“They will have had the same experience and coaching as us and Sky Sports will be following the progress of both teams in programmes called ‘Boots n All’ that are being broadcast on Wednesdays on Sky Sports.”
The project involves 20 Year 10 students learning the sport and playing for the school and a further 12 in the media department co-ordinating the club and raising funds.
Head of Marketing is Business Studies GCSE student Hannah Richardson. She said: “We have set up a Facebook and a Twitter page, created a logo and we are starting to source sponsors.”
Already Lanes Group has agreed £1,000 sponsorship and the team is looking for more, both for the shirt and the coach travel. Please contact the school on 01706 215242 if you want to help.
It is hoped the school will be able to sell 200 tickets for the game to parents and students and at least four coaches will take supporters to the match.
Vice-captain Reece Goodchild said: “On the first week we did the three core values and then we had a training session on passing and team building. I think we are going to win.”
Mr Haworth added: “It is fantastic that, out of all the schools in Lancashire, we were picked by Sky Sports to be featured.”