KEIGHLEY COUGARS coach Alan Kilshaw has hailed the progress made by amateur side Keighley Albion as the professional club work to further strengthen their community links.
The two clubs teamed up to play a central role in the switch-on of the West Yorkshire town’s Christmas lights, with players from the Cougars’ men’s and women’s teams as well as National Conference League Albion mingling with the public to spread the Rugby League word.
Having played in the flagship amateur league between 1998 and 2001, Albion have regrouped, built up their junior section and created their own clubhouse and changing rooms at Crossflatts, two-and-a-half miles from Cougar Park.
After operating in the Yorkshire Men’s League, the senior team moved back into the NCL ahead of last season and with former Cougars halfback Ben Stead an influential player, topped Division Three, winning 13 of their 18 matches.
“Albion have progressed really well,” said Kilshaw.
“It makes sense for us to join with them in working to develop pathways in the area.
“The community is important to this club, and we want to see people from Keighley playing for us.”
Kilshaw’s first pre-season with the Cougars (he was appointed in April) is progressing well, with former Newcastle Thunder second rower Nathan Rushworth freshly signed up.
Wingers Alfie Dean (from Batley) and Dylan Proud (Leeds Academy), Leo Skerrett-Evans, an outside back or backrower from Castleford, centre or second rower Max Clarke from Workington and ex-Bradford Academy back Waldimar Matahwa have been added.
And former Bradford winger David Foggin-Johnston is back after completing a drugs ban.
The 29-year-old first signed for the Cougars ahead of the 2024 season but was suspended after admitting a violation of anti-doping rules. He tested positive for cocaine in August 2023 while a Bradford player.
“It’s good to be back around the boys and I’m aiming to pick up where I left off, and repay the club for their support,” he said.
Keighley host Sheffield in a pre-season game on Saturday, December 20 (3pm).