Wolves' training session in prison

COACHING staff at Warrington Wolves have been helping players to shake off the shackles of their Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of Wigan – with an unusual training session at Risley Prison.
Player welfare manager Karl Fitzpatrick, sports psychologist Damian Hughes and head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith arranged for 36 players and staff to visit the prison.
They worked out in the gym with inmates and then competed in a game of rugby – Cons v Wolves.
Tony Smith said: “Sport is a fantastic vehicle for self discipline, and it can offer positive direction. The players have learned as much from the prisoners as the inmates have learned from them – about teamwork, well-being and determination.
“We are all capable of making mistakes – on and off the field. But we also have the opportunity to change if we want to – just like Risley has undergone a transformation in recent years, so has the rugby club. Both organisations were under-performing and now we are at the top of our game.”
Prison governor Bob McColm said: “Risley has had its share of criticism in the past but my staff have introduced many improvements and I’m proud of the journey we are on.
“Damian Hughes, on the coaching staff at Wolves, has worked with my management team at Risley. A lot of the transformation here is down to his work – introducing change, developing leadership and improving performance.
“I have worked in 15 prisons and I haven’t come across many evil people but there are a lot of disadvantaged people here. The players and staff at Warrington Wolves are so privileged – they should pinch themselves every day.
“The way they conduct themselves in public is so important because people look up to them in the community. Today at the prison they are experiencing a completely different environment. Yet they have managed to engage with the prisoners here – most are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.”
Pictured: Chris Bridge works out in the gym with inmate Michael Sullivan.

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