RELIGIOUS and community leaders got to see the world as the Rugby Football League launched its scheme to break down barriers and create a welcoming environment for everyone whatever their race, religion, faith or belief.

They were invited to watch the recent Carnegie World Club Challenge match at Elland Road.

For many it was the first Rugby League match they had seen and proved to be a huge success, sparking a real enthusiasm for the game.

The guests are now keen to work with their local clubs to introduce rugby league into their communities and to help do this, the RFL is offering members of faith and black and ethnic minority communities the opportunity to apply for a number of free places on a Level 1 coaching course.

The course, which takes place in Leeds on May 17 and 24, offers those signing up the chance to become a qualified Rugby League coach and, as part of the initiative, each participant will be allocated a mentor to support their training.

Sarah Williams, the RFL’s equity and diversity manager, said: "The purpose of the free Level 1 coaching initiative is to reach these underrepresented groups and encourage them to be involved in our game.

"As part of the RFL’s aim to increase participation through the RFL Business Plan we plan to target Black Minority Ethnic and faith communities. This free coaching course complements the work we are currently undertaking with a number of clubs based in areas with large BME and faith communities to increase dialogue between the clubs and the communities.

"We are hopeful that this will increase involvement of people from such communities in the game, be that as players, coaches or simply spectators."

The Level 1 Coaching Course is designed for adults who are looking for an introduction to working with groups of adults, junior Rugby League teams or for parents of children in junior teams who want to get more involved.

For more information call the coaching team on 0113 237 5010 or email: coaching@rfl.uk.com or alternatively visit the website www.therfl.co.uk/coaching/.