What do Keighley and Los Angeles have in common? … Rugby League!

Keighley Albion Juniors and the Los Angeles Mongrels have agreed the first ever transatlantic affiliation between a UK community club and the USA.

The partnership will see both parties share best practices with the aim of growing grassroots Rugby League in California, as well as sharing player recruitment methods and coaching advice for all age groups.

They will also work closely online to promote each other’s progress on social media and provide greater exposure to both teams in the UK and America.

On the agreement, Keighley Albion’s Media Co-ordinator and committee member Rob Spencer said: “Rugby League’s international expansion has been highly publicised over recent years, with the Toronto Wolfpack’s presence in the British domestic game, alongside bids from New York and Ottawa.

“One of our former Keighley Albion players Ady Cooney has been pivotal in the resurgence of Los Angeles Mongrels within California Rugby League, as part of the coaching staff and backroom team over there.

“He has brought a wealth of experience and enormous passion for the game of Rugby League from Keighley to LA and having spoken to Ady, it made perfect sense for the junior clubs to link up and help support each other’s growth.

“Keighley Albion was established over 70 years ago, and we are now recognised as the biggest club in the Yorkshire Junior League in terms of participation number.

“With both our heritage and our current team of fantastic selfless volunteers, coaches and team managers running all our age groups, we feel we are in a strong position to assist Los Angeles with their junior club growth.

“One of our key core values here at Albion is innovation, and the Trans-Atlantic affiliation between a community club and a club in the USA is the first of its kind.

“The partnership makes perfect sense. We have a strong grassroots sport in the UK with some exceptional community clubs in the game, and we also can learn a lot from the American sporting culture, particularly their exceptional promotional work.”

Los Angeles first team are scheduled to play their first game against San Francisco on 7th December at Boxer Stadium, San Francisco.

Keighley Albion are currently recruiting for a men’s open age first team coach. The committee is focused on having a strong first team squad next season, and is open to discussing expenses and payment to the right person. Please contact Dean on 07802328390 for more details.