SCHOOLCHILDREN are being given the chance to try their hand at rugby league with help from the professionals.

Players from engage Super League club Crusaders are coaching pupils at schools across Wrexham.

The scheme kicked off with Crusaders’ Australian star Clinton Schifcoske and others visiting the Rofft School in Marford and St Peter’s School, Rossett.

Each session revolves around team-building work, skills and game scenarios.

Primary schools will compete in a ‘tag rugby’ contest, to be held before Crusaders match against Wigan Warriors at The Racecourse on Saturday.

Matt Pritchard, Crusaders’ community development manager said: “The response from the community has been fantastic.

“Everyone says how North Wales has needed a professional top-flight rugby club for years and now they have one and are fully supportive.

“Since we have moved up, we have made many partnerships and are building a base for rugby league here in North Wales. Both the players and coaching staff have been fully supportive of working in the community.”

Myra Redman, sports development manager at Wrexham Council said: “This is a great chance for all the pupils to experience a new sport and join in the excitement of the Super League coming to North Wales, in particular Wrexham.

“Rugby league is a fun, fast sport that can be picked up quickly and it is also a great way to keep fit.”