Cross codes in non heartlands

[Harrogate Fire Ants]

Just an update regarding work going on in Harrogate. Although we are in North Yorkshire and half way between 2 clubs in Leeds and York. Harrogate itself would be deemed a Union Town. But taking that we have embraced the fact mainly because of Gary Mercer (ex Kiwi) being the Director of Rugby at Ashville College in Harrogate and we are now based there permanently. We are the first and only to date rugby league team playing from an independent school. What they are able to offer in terms of facilities is unrilved with 7 Rugby pitches, an all weather pitch and the option for our members to pay £20 per month for gym and swimming pool membership at a corporate rate. In return they are providing players that usually play Union for the college allowing us to work with them from May to August which will keep them fit and skill sets up and we have overnight created an U16s and U18s side with further junior development to be added from other age groups and the local Grammar school. This will also give us the opportunity to play the Army foundation college based in Harrogate in a friendly match at U18 level. 

I know a few "Southern" teams work with Union clubs and some play directly out of them but looking from an outside in from May to August every year there isn't stopping any Union teams picking up league as a "Summer fitness sport" and maybe to increase the success of our sport in the non heartland areas we could do more to increase participation such as this?