Schofield appointed Elite Academy assistant coach

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Schofield as our Elite Academy Assistant Coach for the 2024 season!

Schofield, son of Garry Schofield OBE, enjoyed a successful playing career that saw him represent the likes of York City Knights, Hunslet Hawks and Dewsbury Rams before taking on a coaching role at the latter.

Jonathan reunites with our new Elite Academy Head Coach Glenn Morrison – with whom he worked alongside at the Rams.

Jonathan Schofield said:

“I am delighted to be joining Bradford and getting back involved in a professional environment and having spoken to Ryan [Hunkin] it seems there is plenty of talent across the Elite Academy and Reserves at the club.

“I have had a number of roles on and off the field in Rugby League but having picked up a couple of injuries playing at Dewsbury, Glenn [Morrison] said he thought I’d make a good coach so I did the Reserves and eventually was Glenn’s assistant and we got success on the back of it.

“Glenn gets the best out of everyone and every situation, he gives the players the belief they need and the belief knowing there’s a pathway through for achieving what every young player aspires to be which is to be a professional rugby league player.

“Glenn can do that with his philosophies and his focus on hard work. Bradford fans will remember how hard he worked as a player and that’s what he’s like as a coach and I follow suit.

“Having been around the club for a couple of weeks I have to give credit to Ryan, what he’s done has been outstanding including getting the Elite Licence back. Having been speaking to him about the players and their strengths, I am delighted to be playing a part in their development.”

Bradford Bulls’ Elite Academy Head Coach Glenn Morrison said:

“Jonathan was a player while I was at Dewsbury and I could see he had a really good rugby brain so I advised him to go down the coaching route, which he did to great success winning the Grand Final with the Reserves. I then brought him in as my assistant at Dewsbury, we work really well together and we have stayed in contact ever since. The opportunity came to get him on board and I jumped at it, we are both looking forward to it.

Bradford Bulls’ Head of Youth Ryan Hunkin said:

“Having met Jonathan on several occasions, he seemed a perfect fit with his knowledge of the game and youth structure within Yorkshire and surrounding areas. We are looking forward to him hitting the ground running and getting started, with us reaping the benefits of that team moving forward.

“These are exciting times with pre-season around the corner and we have made it clear to the players this pre-season will be extremely tough but rewarding, we will have some fun but it will be based around hard work, no excuses, getting the job done and getting as fit as possible. There is the alternative training off the field like the upcoming Yorkshire Three Peaks which we are doing to bring the bonds together, which we hope they will benefit from too.”

The club has been re-awarded its Elite Academy Licence but receives no central funding towards Youth Development. By donating to become a #BullsNextGen member, you are helping continue a long, proud tradition of producing Rugby League players at the Bradford Bulls.

Your donation will be recognised in the brand-new Academy Bar at Odsal, where the Bulls Academy Alumni will be listed for all to see. All monies raised through #BullsNextGen ensure our Academy can continue producing the stars of the future.

You can donate from as little as £5 per month via Direct Debit or Standing Order. CLICK HERE to donate online via direct debit, Standing Order forms are available from the Team Shop.