KEIGHLEY Cougars' wheelchair rugby league side have come a long way since their formation three years ago, and the club are now hoping to turn a short-term disappointment into a long-term gain.

Over the past few years, many players have joined the club and competed within the RFL wheelchair development league, facing the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Halifax, Dundee Dragons, Leyland Warriors, Hull FC and more.

However, head coach Matthew Micklethwaite has confirmed that they will be temporarily bowing out of competitive action.

He said: "2018 has been a very tough season for us and we have now made the decision to withdraw from the league and look to re-structure and push for 2019, when we can really begin to showcase what the Cougars have to offer as a club and community.

"Although this has been a difficult few months, I feel positive about how I plan to move the club forward and the players I currently have on board. We just need time to allow those players to develop and become ready for competition in 2019."

Micklethwaite has never hidden his desire to make sport available to all and he said: "I have always had a huge passion for rugby league and have been involved in developing disability sports with a background in basketball also.

"After leading a successful wheelchair basketball program in Keighley, I made the decision that it was time to go back to my passion for rugby league and take advantage of Keighley’s rugby league heritage."

This inclusivity is extended to the Cougars WRL open minds session, which is aimed and focused around individuals with autism, learning difficulties and other mental health needs.

Micklethwaite believes that it is important to run sessions like these as it emphasises the social benefits of rugby league, a place for like-minded individuals to come together, as well as the physical side.

The club currently trains every Thursday evening at University Academy Keighley on Greenhead Road.

Training starts at 6pm for the wheelchair rugby league side and finishes at 8pm, and that is followed immediately by the open minds tag rugby league session from 8pm-9pm. Both sessions are all inclusive.

Micklethwaite can be contacted on 07740 585531 or by email at mathewmwrl@hotmail.com. You can also search and like their Facebook page, Keighley Cougars disability rugby league, to keep up to date with all news, events and goings on.