Damian Gibson (with the ball)

21st July 2006
DAMIAN GIBSON APPOINTED COACH TO NEW RUGBY LEAGUE ACADEMY

Halifax Rugby League full-back, Damian Gibson, has been announced as coach to the new Calderdale College Rugby League Academy, to be launched in September.

The Academy is designed for talented players aged 16 to 18 and will combine eight hours of top level coaching and weekly fixtures with A-levels and vocational qualifications, leading to employment in sports and related sectors. There will also be an optional route into higher education. The Academy has been established in partnership with Halifax Rugby League Football Club and Calderdale Rugby League Service area.

Damian, 31, grew up in Queensland, Australia, and first played professionally for Newcastle Knights outside Sydney in 1993 before moving on to North Queensland Cowboys for two years. He moved to England in 1997 to play for Leeds Rhinos and has played internationally for Wales. This is his second stint for Halifax and he has successfully run their community programme in schools for two years.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching and when the opportunity came up to coach at the Calderdale College Rugby League Academy I jumped at it”, said Damian, who will continue to play for Halifax Rugby League Club. “I think it’s fantastic for the kids. The number of people making it professionally is quite low and it’s important to have a chance to get an education alongside. I wish I’d had the opportunity when I was younger.”

Damian lives in Northowram and has no plans to return home “I just love the lifestyle and people here. The fact that the rest of Europe is on the doorstep is a big attraction. Rugby League is a very different game in Australia. It’s the main game there, like football is here, though interest in England has been growing over the past few years.”

Matt Fawcett, programme manager for sport at Calderdale College, said “Damian is the ideal candidate for the job and we’re delighted that he has accepted the position of coach for the new academy. He’s an excellent communicator, has made a big success of running the community programme in schools and has years of experience as a professional rugby league player to pass on to our students. We’ve had a lot of interest in the academy but there are still a few places available if young players contact us quickly”.