In a league of their own

Children from four of the North-West's most disadvantaged communities took to the field with their heroes before the rugby league international between Great Britain and Australia on 30 October. Nearly 50 youngsters from East Manchester, Oldham, Salford in Manchester and North Huyton in Merseyside took part in 20-minute games played as curtain raisers for the international contest at the City of Manchester Stadium, before waving flags on the pitch as the professional sides ran out. Sports development officers from Charlestown & Lower Kersal New Deal for Communities coached the team from Salford.