The plan is to initally launch a under-17s side with pre-season training kicking off in May.

It is hoped the side will play friendly games on every other Sunday with training every other Sunday throughout the 2008-09 season.

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The team will act as a feeder for the senior side in years to come but over the next three years the idea is to move forward with Under 18's and Colt status.

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To gauge interest the club is holding a players and parents meeting on Wednesday, April 16, at 7pm located upstairs at the Garforth Country Club.

The age restriction is basically players must be under 17 on 1st September 2008 to be eligible. The side will be know as Garforth Pumas.

Jon Fallas of Garforth RUFC said: "This is the first time the club has ventured into the Junior rugby ranks having been a Senior Club only since formation in 1992.

"The development of the Rugby Academy has been targeted to fill a void for people between the ages of 15-17 who have no rugby opportunities in Garforth and are forced to travel to play the game. In addition to Rugby Union we hope to train using Rugby League techniques and will be looking to register Garforth Pumas under both rugby codes bodies to allow us to participate in some Rugby league competitions."

* For further information please call Jon Fallas on 07974 833516 or attend the Parents and Players meeting on Wednesday, April 16, (7pm) at Garforth Country Club.