Leigh Leopards may be in the reserves league in 2024 but they are still absent from the academy league.
This is despite the fact the club is desperate for an elite academy licence with Derek Beaumont responding to criticism throughout 2023 saying “you can’t open an account when the bank won’ let you” hinting that the RFL won’t allow them to have an academy licence.
The club are understood to be working hard to achieve this next after adding a reserves set up in 2024 having had no reserves side in 2023.
They have brilliantly developed their women’s set up moving forward and an Elite Academy Licence is next on their bucket list.
Recently we have seen London Broncos give up their Elite Academy Licence which does not violate IMG’s minimum standards despite the dismay among fans over this.
Despite this, Leigh are still keen on an elite academy licence moving forward and will hope to have the same success Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls have in earning theirs in recent years.
The Tigers are very proud of their academy now releasing a statement ahead of the new year including their fixtures: “Castleford Tigers can confirm their Reserves and Academy Schedule for the 2024 season.
“All fixtures are subject to change and kick-off times are to be announced in due course. 2024 members get free entry into all Academy and Reserve home fixtures.”
The fixtures are as follows:
RESERVES
9th March – Huddersfield Giants (H)
23rd March – Hull FC (A)
6th April – Salford Red Devils (H)
20th April – Wigan Warriors (A)
4th May – Leigh Leopards (A)
18th May – St Helens (H)
1st June – Leeds Rhinos (A)
15th June – Wakefield Trinity (H)
29th June – Bradford Bulls (H)
14th July – London Broncos (A)
10th August – Hull KR (A)
24th August – Warrington Wolves (H)
ACADEMY
16th March – Wigan Warriors (A)
30th March – Leeds Rhinos (H)
14th April – Wakefield Trinity (A)
27th April – Bradford Bulls (H)
11th May – St Helens (H)
25th May – Hull FC (H)
22nd June – Hull KR (H)
6th July – Leeds Rhinos (A)
20th July – Bradford Bulls (A)
3rd August – Warrington Wolves (H)
17th August – Huddersfield Giants (A)
31st August – Hull FC (A)
