A YOUNGSTER is finding time between arduous GCSE revision sessions to attend regular training as he hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps and build a successful career in rugby.
Across the country teenagers are facing struggles when it comes to planning revision timetables for their upcoming GCSE exams, with regular mock exams taking place before the real thing comes in only a few months.
But for 15-year-old Joseph Gill, this is just one of the stresses he’s having to manage, as on top of regular after-school revision sessions, he’s making time to train at least four times a week as he enters his second year under a Bradford Bulls scholarship, something his mum Danielle describes as a ‘bit of a juggling act’.
She told the Chronicle: “Joseph can really struggle with his confidence and asking for help.
“But his teachers are really behind him and he tries his best at absolutely everything he does.
“Like most kids he’s staying behind after school for revision so fitting everything in takes a lot of planning and obviously we’ve got to make sure he’s getting that revision done.”
Joseph started playing rugby when he was only four in the Dearne Valley Bulldogs ‘Pups’ team for youngsters under six.
He followed a family tradition as his older brother, 19-year-old Jamie, recently signed with the Bradford Bulls after rising through their academy system.
“It’s just in the family I suppose,” Danielle added.
“He’s got three brothers and they all play rugby - it’s taken over a little bit.”
In his life, Joseph stayed with the Dearne Valley Bulldogs until last year when he made the move to Dewsbury Moor.
He has been training in the Bradford Bulls scholarship programme - where he was named player of the month for both December and January - and also competed for Ireland in last year’s under-16 Four Nations.
Now, his family have put him forward for this year’s Young Champions in the Young Sporting Achievement category.
“He works hard, he really does,” Danielle said.
“With his GCSEs coming up he’s been really pushing himself to achieve.”
