HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS have expanded Academy supremo Steve Fox’s role to head of youth as they aim to maintain their production line of homegrown players.
It comes as one of their development products, prop Matty English, looks forward to a testimonial match against Super League newcomers York.
The 28-year-old was granted a testimonial year by the RFL in September, with Giants managing director Richard Thewlis calling it a “deserved accolade”.
York will visit to Accu Stadium on Saturday, January 17 (3pm) as English approaches his tenth season on the first-team scene after joining five years earlier.
Fox has been at Huddersfield since 2020, when he took charge of the newly-formed Reserves after working in the Leeds Academy.
The role with the second team also included pathways development, and he was made head of the Academy a year ago.
He succeeded director of rugby Andy Kelly in the head of youth position.
Fox, whose CV also includes work in education and the prison service, said: “I’m extremely proud. There are only twelve head of youth roles throughout the country.
“The club are in a really exciting transition period, and there have been some really good progressions already.
“There’s a pathway for staff to develop and progress, and we’re starting to see that hard work, dedication and belief in the club is being rewarded.
“When I had my initial interview with Andy Kelly (in 2020), I knew things couldn’t happen overnight, and my own journey is continuing.”
Club products, forward Jacob Algar, winger Lewis Jagger, halfback Marshall Land and backrower Archie Sykes all made the first team last season.
And Fox added: “You feel like a proud father when a player steps on the field and plays for the first team.
“It was great to see Jacob, Lewis, Marshall and Archie making their debuts and (fullback) Logan Blacker is knocking on the door.
“I’m getting really good reports from (coach) Luke Robinson and it’s just brilliant.
“And it’s not only progression as a player, but making them better people and more grounded as well. I think the development of life skills is important.”
Kelly said: “I have been in the head of youth position for almost twelve years, and have seen some marvellous strides from various members of staff who have cared passionately for the job, none more so than Steve.
“He is more than capable of evolving the whole process and producing future Giants players we can be proud of.”