WARRINGTON'S Rugby League community is in harmony to work towards an explosion of the sport in the town.

Super League club Warrington Wolves, Warrington Borough Council, schools, clubs, referees, associations and the media were all well represented at the launch of the Warrington Rugby League development plan at a packed-out Town Hall on Monday.

A structure is being put into place which covers areas such as increasing participation and awareness at all levels.

The Wolves' head coach Darryl Van de Velde said at the event: "None of us just want to be seen as neighbours of Wigan any more. We need to redress the balance and not just make the numbers up.

"It is the only sport in the town which has a premier league club. This is something for the town and we've all got a role to play - their can't be any self interests.

"We need to lift the profile of the game in the town and we have to give every child in the town the chance to play the game.

"We need to give them an understanding of the game, make it enjoyable for them, make sure we give them the skills, the facilities for playing and training and the equipment to use too.

"The town needs it and we're all responsible."

A document featuring aims, responsible parties and target dates has been produced.

Neil Kelly, the RL development officer of Warrington Borough Council who are supporting the plan, said: "By coming together like this we can all work to making Warrington No.1 for Rugby League."

A follow-up meeting is being planned.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.