New Tigers join Foundation and UCL education pathway

Castleford Tigers’ three newest recruits Jacob Hookem, Bailey Dawson, and Ilikaya Mafi will all combine their training and playing opportunities at the club with enrolling on a higher education course offered by the Tigers Foundation and University Centre Leeds.

The landmark agreement allows players to develop their skills both on and off the field to give them qualifications whilst they progress through the Cas system, and is led by Castleford Tigers' elite development coaches and support staff.

The programme forms an integral part of the club's long-term player development pathway, with a view to progressing to the First Team. Players also have the opportunity to compete in the British University Sports (BUCS) season where players who are leaving school with aspirations of progressing towards competing at a higher level in the professional or community game, have the prospect at taking part in the top rugby league competition at university level.

As part of the education and coaching programme players will receive a strength and conditioning programme, video analysis of competition performances each week, much like the first team environment to help them prepare for their future careers in the game.

Bailey Dawson, who joined the Fords recently having spent time at Hull KR’s academy, has enrolled in a sports course and claimed that being able to pick up vital qualifications during his playing career is a huge bonus.

“I got given the opportunity to go to university and study a sports course. It’s really beneficial to young players to get an education as well. Getting a degree whilst training is perfect, it’s an ideal situation. Rugby careers aren't long lasting so it’s perfect for me to go down that route and gain an education.”

Young half-back Jacob Hookem will also be a part of the programme and believes that being involved in an elite environment whilst studying will only be beneficial for him moving forward.

“It’s really important to be able to get those qualifications. Rugby isn’t forever so having a back-up plan and something to fall back on is great. Having the chance to do it at Castleford to potentially be a professional rugby player but also get my degree is beneficial.”

Ilikaya Mafi is Castleford’s most recent addition and the promising loose forward outlined that the university course will help him achieve his goal of potentially exploring the route of coaching in the future.

“I’ve got my level 3 sports diploma and I’m looking to get my sports coaching qualifications. It’s a good environment at the stadium and I’m surrounded by the whole team so it’s good.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the courses available please click the link HERE or to check out the prospectus HERE.