The new Midlands Rugby League structure was unveiled earlier this week - and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Head Coach John Kear believes it will have a great impact on the development of the talent already being produced in the region.
The Super League coach was guest speaker at the event, held by Dave Butler and Martyn Rothwell at Nottingham Trent University, as 2011 plans for Midlands Rugby League were unveiled to Rugby League players, coaches and club officials.
The main changes see the 13-a-side game reduced to 7 or 9-a-side at Under 14s and below with a rule change on kick-offs also introduced.
Dave Butler explained that the reason behind the change in the number of players playing was down to player involvement levels affecting the development of a large number of players.
He explained that in the 13-a-side version, players would rarely touch the ball throughout the game whereas in the 7 and 9-a-side version, all players had multiple touches enabling them to make more decisions on when to run or pass and also made more tackles improving the basics on defence.
The thought process behind the changes revolve around the need to improve on basics with all players as a tendancy to hand the ball to the 'bigger, faster player' on the majority of plays within the game has hampered the development of players across the team.
And Kear sees this as the perfect structure to irradicate that behaviour and raise the playing standard in the area.
He said: "It is marvellous seeing people come together who love the game of Rugby League and it is especially great to see it in a development area like the Midlands.
"I got involved in RL because it was fun. I loved holding the ball and then running at players and passing and catching and then when I didn't have the ball I loved the tackling. I loved doing all of that - the basics.
"I managed to achieve my dream of playing for Castleford (Tigers) and I had a lot of help on the way.
"For me the game was fun, allowed me to improve, and there was natural competition that was provided within the team element.
"These three will all be provided within this structure set to be in place in the Midlands. And they will provide the best opportunity for players to improve and enjoy the game at the same time.
"There is talent in the Midlands area, let's hope we can nurture that. With this structure, the youngsters will have more chances to touch the ball, have more chances to tackle and their skill level will improve as will their decision making.
"To fully develop talent in this region you need a Super League Club. It gives those at the bottom of the pyramid something to aspire to if there is that at the top.
"There is a massive gap between Sheffield (Eagles) and Harlequins and it seems natural to get a club in the Championship to nurture them their for a few years.
"You need a Nottingham team, or a Leicester or a Northampton team so it gives something for young players to aspire for - like I had with Cas."
Another major change will see the way in which the game restarts following a try altered. In international laws, the try scoring team kicks the ball to the non-scoring team, often placing them underneath their own posts as they go in search of a try of their own.
The new law at Under 16s and below will see the non-scoring team restart the game with a play-the-ball on the half way line.
Nottingham Outlaws Community Rugby League Coach George Strachan sees the new structure having a positive impact on the sport in the Midlands for years to come.
He said: "We at Nottingham Outlaws have always looked to improve our coaching and support for young players and we are fortunate to have had top quality volunteers in recent years who have been able to aid the club in this.
"The competitive games structure, however, has not always tied in with our philosophies.
"The new structure has come out of a long and wide ranging discourse with Sports Scientists, Community Rugby League Coaches, volunteers and young people.
"The findings of this work has been that people love playing Rugby League with and against their mates but they enjoy it more, and develop faster, when they are involved in and around the ball.
"7-a-side and 9s will place additional demands on our young players' skills, fitness and decision making but more importantly will provide greater involvement and fun for a wider range of players.
"The new format will also provide greater volunteering opportunities for older players at the club to support the younger players which is something we passionately believe in - as a means to improve as individuals and Rugby League players.
"I think this marks a massive step forward for Mildands Rugby League, the benefits of which will be felt for years to come."
Nottingham Outlaws' junior training commences on Tuesday 5th April as below:
Under 11s (School Yr 5 & 6) 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Under 12s (School Yr 7) 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Under 14s (School Yr 8 & 9) 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Under 16s (School Yr 10 & 11) 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Under 13s Girls (Yr 7 & 8) will be on Thursdays 6.30 - 7.30pm
Players and Parents/Carers sign in is at the Sports Hall and the sessions will take place on Pitch 2, the grass pitch adjacent to the Sports Hall. The club caters for all standards from beginners to RPDC and potential professional players.
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