A new initiative has been launched in a bid to encourage members of black and minority ethnic (BME) and faith communities to sign up to rugby league coaching courses.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has teamed up with Sporting Equals in order to offer the new Level One certificate in Coaching Rugby League, which aims to provide participants with an introduction to working with adult and junior teams. Cliff Simms, a sports consultant with Sporting Equals, said: "We want to engage and promote positive initiatives to tackle race and faith inequalities, change attitudes and cultures to participation in all sports and ultimately develop a fair and representative sporting nation."

Sarah Williams, RFL equality and diversity manager, added: "The purpose of the low cost Level One coaching initiative is to reach these under-represented groups and encourage them to be involved in our game." The course, which costs £25 per candidate, will take place on 27 March and 10 April at a venue in Yorkshire.