Mick Stelfox recently attended a workshop at Chorley Panthers designed to help clubs run successful open days. The RFL would like to see an annual national open day when community clubs run events designed to encourage more players and volunteers to become actively involved in the greatest game.

All community clubs are being encouraged to take part in the national event, which will see sides from up and down the country simultaneously invite their communities in for a taste of their local team.

It follows a successful “Welcoming Clubs” campaign in October 2013, which saw volunteers from sixty-six clubs attend workshops designed to help community clubs capitalise on interest generated by Rugby League World Cup 2013.

To aid community clubs wishing to participate, the RFL has organised a series of free workshops (listed below) designed to provide expert guidance on running a successful event, and how to get the most out of The Big Rugby League Open Day.

RFL Director of Participation and Strategic Partnerships David Gent said: “The passion within our community clubs is incredible and we wanted to build on the success of Rugby League World Cup 2013.

“The aim of the campaign is to encourage community clubs to engage with their local community and gain practical advice on how to drive club recruitment through a really well run open day”