Tigers College student Alfie Dean trains with First Team

One of Castleford Tigers Foundation’s Tigers College students and Academy player Alfie Dean has made the step up to training with the Fords’ First Team this week during pre-season!

The imposing second-rower has been part of the Tigers family since Scholarship and has risen through the ranks ever since, with Dean being a shining light during the Academy side’s 2022 season.

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After impressing last year, Head Coach Lee Radford and his coaching staff offered the youngster a chance to mix it with the First Team pack, which is an opportunity that Alfie is keen to take with both hands.

“I’ve been training with the first team this week for the very first time. At the start pre-season it’s always tough but it’s really good to be out there with the first team and training with them.

“I started here back in my first year with the scholarship and made it through all of the ranks and now I’ve got my chance with the first team!”

The Foundation’s Tigers College offers students the opportunity to combine playing opportunities with Castleford and elite coaching with top level educational provisions in order for players to gain qualifications as they progress through the youth system.

Dean spoke positively on the impact the Tigers College has had on him as a player and as a person to allow him to be able to be presented with opportunities such as training alongside elite Super League players.

“The college has allowed me to train throughout the day and be at the ground in and around the first teamers. Now to be able to train with them is really good and being put through college has allowed me to do that.

“It allows you to focus on the education side of things as well which gives you qualifications for after your playing career.”

If you’re interested in following in Alfie’s footsteps, why not check out what Tigers College has to offer by clicking HERE!