Salford Red Devils Category Three U19’s side gathered for their first session ahead of the 2018-19 season earlier this week and Player Performance Manager Danny Barton is ‘excited’ to see the new talent progress.
Barton said: “Our first training session was fantastic.
“We’ve recruited really well when it comes to our 19s this season. We’ve got some really exciting kids on board with a lot of local talent some of whom have progressed through from our 16s.
“They’re all passionate about playing for Salford Red Devils and going as far as they can here at the Club and, maybe, even challenging for a position in the first team down the line.
“There’s a big focus from everyone at the Club on our youth at the moment.”
Danny Barton has been working closely with Director of Rugby and Operations Ian Blease and Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson and this has seen youngsters Sam Bardsley and Jack Ratcliffe begin training with the first team.
Barton said: “We’re all in the same mindset and we’re all local which really helps.
“It all seems to be coming together with Ian [Blease] as Director of Rugby and Ian [Watson] as Head Coach and we’re all looking to develop and further our youth development here at Salford Red Devils.
“I’d love to get someone into the first team within the next five years – that’s the goal.
“We had Jack [Ratcliffe] and Sam [Bardsley] down talking to the 19s earlier this week and discussing what it’s like training with the first team and I think some of the lads realised the opportunity they have in front of them.”
Barton’s Salford Red Devils Category Three U19s side have moved up a division for the 2018-19 season but the Player Performance Manager is confident his team can impress on the back of a restructuring of the league.
Barton said: “Fixtures for the 19s start in September but we’ll be heading into pre-season in the coming weeks.
“The lads have got some programmes from our conditioners, so they can come into pre-season fit and healthy and hopefully make an impact on the field this season.
“We are looking at having two teams at 19s this season with one team competing in the top division.
“I’m excited to see the lads progress here at Salford and I’m looking forward to getting the season underway.”
More information on the Salford Red Devils U19s fixtures will be made available nearer the beginning of their season.
The Tigers are in Town, but we’ll roar louder!
Tickets for our next home game against Castleford Tigers on Friday 13th July are available to purchase at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone or online here.
