Three “crazy” Rugby coaches from Goole are taking on an epic hiking challenge to raise money to help the club’s youngest players continue excelling in the sport.
Goole Vikings RLFC junior coaches, James Hanlon, Paul Pettit and Ash Griffin are gearing up to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge, with the goal of scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours. The trio who are nicknamed The Three Crazy Vikings will be taking on the challenge on Monday, September 25, to raise cash for the club’s growing junior section which now has around 60 players. Catering to children aged between 3-12, the club’s junior section currently has four teams including Cubs, U6/7s, U8/9s and U10/11s. The club has recently joined the City of Hull and District League after previously spending time in the Midlands Development League, and this, combined with an increase in the number of junior players, has led to an increase in the amount of equipment, kit and volunteers needed. Explaining how the money raised will help the club, Paul said: “The money we raise will be going directly back into the junior section of the club to provide much needed age appropriate equipment, help with advertising costs, such as leaflets for local schools, purchase additional playing kit for new children joining the club and to attend rugby league festivals throughout the year.”
In the lead up to the event the trio have been completing long distance walks to prepare them for the 26 mile route and 3,064m ascent. James said: “We chose the national three peaks as we wanted something that was going to be a true challenge for us and we want to raise the profile of the junior Vikings, who are just finishing their first season in the City of Hull and District Rugby League, and are looking for sponsors for their 2024 season. “Paul is currently working abroad so has managed to get some long distance walking training in, but has struggled to find hills in the Netherlands. “We are all pretty nervous about the challenge, but we are confident we can complete it for our juniors.” The club hopes to continue expanding its junior section in future, helping Goole’s youngest residents to meet new friends, learn new skills and increase their fitness. James said: “Next season we hope to have teams from Under 6s through to Under 12s. We are always looking for new players with or without rugby experience to come and join us, and also like-minded volunteers who want to help build rugby league in Goole. “Goole Vikings are looking to make an impact on the community by bringing children and families together to play rugby league. The club also holds a disability inclusion session, which is aimed at any children with additional needs to help them feel part of a team and community.”
To donate to the fundraiser visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the3crazyvikingsgoolevikings
Goole Vikings RLFC Coaches Paul Pettit, Ash Griffin and James Hanlon are gearing up to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge. (14-09-143 SU)
