'I feel the time is right': Pete Riding steps down as Hull FC head of youth

Hull FC head of youth Pete Riding has left the club by mutual consent after two and a half years in the role.

Riding, who held similar positions at Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves, has led Hull's Centre of Excellence youth programme since the start of 2022.

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During that time, Riding has restructured the pathway to leave the Black and Whites with 13 youth teams and steered the academy to the semi-finals in back-to-back seasons.

Davy Litten, Jack Charles and Logan Moy are among the players that have graduated from the academy on Riding's watch.

Riding steps down at the start of a new era for the club under chairman Adam Pearson and director of rugby Richie Myler.

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"The pathways which are now in place and the changes made to the recruitment strategy will serve the club well going forward and will be the foundation for its future success and sustained growth," said Riding.

"I must take this opportunity to firstly thank James Clark for giving me the opportunity to work for such a fantastic organisation. I want to thank all the players and staff for their support, and I look forward to watching their rugby league journeys over the coming years.

"With the arrival of Richie as the club’s director of rugby and the direction in which he wants to take the club's youth programme, I feel the time is right to hand over the day-to-day running of the Centre of Excellence to an internal restructure headed by Richie.

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Pete Riding had been in charge of the Centre of Excellence since the start of 2022. (Photo: Hull FC)Pete Riding had been in charge of the Centre of Excellence since the start of 2022. (Photo: Hull FC)
Pete Riding had been in charge of the Centre of Excellence since the start of 2022. (Photo: Hull FC)

"I feel comfortable that I leave the club's youth pathway in a much stronger position than when I arrived at the club."

Academy and scholarship head coaches Francis Cummins and Richard Tate will continue in their roles.

Pearson has credited Riding with laying strong foundations in the youth set-up.

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"I would like to thank Pete for all his hard work and commitment in re-energising and restructuring our youth pathway from top to bottom," said Pearson.

Richie Myler is in charge of Hull's rugby operations. (Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com)Richie Myler is in charge of Hull's rugby operations. (Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com)
Richie Myler is in charge of Hull's rugby operations. (Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com)

"We are resourced and well managed to take his blueprint forward to ensure a successful academy structure that continues to produce the Super League players of tomorrow.

"I and everyone at the club wish Peter well for his next professional challenge in rugby league."

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