CENTRE Cameron Bealey-Kay stands out as a beacon to what can be achieved as a junior at Keighley Rugby Union Club.

But he is only part of the success story of under-17s moving into senior rugby, which was triggered by the formation of an Academy two seasons ago.

Beneath that is the Developing Player Programme (DPP), which has taken players from both the under-16s and under-17s who have the potential to become the first XV players of the future.

They train together once a week alongside the seniors, thereby hopefully ensuring that their transition from juniors to seniors ends with them being more rounded rugby players.

It is a testament to the hard work of Player Development coaches Johnny Harrison and Ian Simons, supported by team manager Rob Willson, who also looks after the administration, that eight under-17s have played in the senior ranks in the season just finished.

Bealey-Kay, a key member of the under-17s squad who has also represented West Yorkshire at under-15, under-16 and under-17 level, made his first XV debut against Roundhegians during 2015-16.

Keighley's director of rugby Russell Gibson, said: “Cameron is showing great potential.

"He needs to keep developing as he has done this year and he will definitely be pushing for more first XV game-time next season.”

The next generation are also showing promise, with under-16s hooker Ryan Gibson being selected for the England Rugby Developing Player Programme (ERDPP) Select XV and subsequently being invited into the Yorkshire Carnegie junior development squad, playing games against Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons, Gloucester, Bristol and Bath. He was also selected to play for Yorkshire under-16s on their tour of Wales.

Ethan Lawrie, from the under-15s, was also selected for the ERDPP and Yorkshire Carnegie's junior development squad, who play under the tutelage of former England coach Stuart Lancaster.

Ethan has been moved from the back row, where he was selected to play for Yorkshire under-15s earlier in the season, to centre, where he has played against Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons.

Alongside him, fellow under-15s Jack Radbourne, Keir Welch, and Leon Hobson-Sheriff have also been selected for the ERDPP.

Gibson added: “These players are a credit to the hard work that the junior coaches put into their sessions to develop all their players.

"Without their commitment and hard work, these achievements would not be possible.

"We are looking forward to seeing these and other players develop further within our own developing player programme and in time progress into senior rugby and push for first XV places.”

Keighley are currently recruiting for all age groups for next season (under-sevens up to under-18s), and Gibson said: “We have a lot to offer players at Keighley, with exceptional coaching and a programme developed to get the best out of players in their transition years from junior to senior rugby.”

Further information is available from Russell at russell@keighleyrufc.com.

KEIGHLEY JUNIORS AWARD WINNERS 2015-16

Under-13s, Players’ player: Denon Sokee; Coaches’ player: Nathan Pickles; Most improved: Will Marshall; Forwards: Toby Stephens; Backs: Bradley Powell.

Under-15s, Players’ player: Adam Kemp; Coaches’ player: Jack Rodbourne; Most improved: Josh Slingsby; Forwards: Oli Brown; Backs: Lennon Curr/Ethan Lawrie.

Under-16s, Players’ player: Tom Willson; Coaches’ player: Ryan Gibson; Most improved: Ryan Allen; Forwards: Jordan Yaxley; Backs: Taine Lightfoot.