Community Development Staff
Davidé Longo – Head of Community Department and Community Trust Manager
Davide took up his role as Community Trust Manager in November 2008 when the Trust was officially launched, having originally joined the Wildcats in September 2004.
Since joining the Wildcats the club has gained recognition for it’s outstanding Community programmes and school links. The Community department was in April 2007 also given charitable status which means that any money coming into the Charity goes directly back out into Community initiatives.
Previous to this Davide was a full time Rugby League player with Dewsbury Rams, Swinton Lions, Keighley Cougars and Bradford Bulls. His two biggest achievements in Rugby League were representing Great Britain Academy in games against France and playing for the Bradford Bulls in their 1996 Challenge Cup campaign where they reached the Wembley final against St Helens.
E-mail: davidelongo@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk
Sarah Robinson – Projects Manager
Sarah was appointed Projects Manager in December 2009 after first joining the Wildcats in December 2006 as a Dance Development Officer.
Since 2006 Sarah has been the leading force in the highly successful Wildcat Dolls Dance Academy which she runs from the Hearwell Stadium.
As well as over-seeing the running of the Wildcats Community Department, Sarah also set up the highly acclaimed Dance Team the Wildcat Dolls where she manages and choreographs for all of their events.
As well as running her own dance school in her spare time, Sarah also dances professionally at large corporate events around the country
E-mail: sarahrobinson@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk
Richard Cattley – Community Development Officer
Richard joined the Community Team as Community Development Officer after previously teaching at Wakefield College on completion of his degree in Physical Education at Leeds Metropolitan University in 2006.
Richard’s first main role was to implement a secondary schools programme to add to the already successful primary schools programme.
Richard first became part of the club back in 2001 as a player when he joined the Junior Academy. This first stretch with the club ended in 2006 and in that time Richard Captained the junior academy for 2 seasons and made a try scoring first team appearance in a friendly against York City Knights in 2006. Richard now plays his rugby for Stanley Rangers and has represented Great Britain BARLA at U18’s (2004) and U23’s (2007 & 2008).
E-mail: richardcattley@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk
Gavyn Lightowler – Community Development Officer
Having completed work experience with the Community Team and having also done volunteer work within the club, Gavyn is now a full-time member of the Team.
Part of Gavyn’s day to day job is to assist in delivering the Coaching plan that is delivered to schools around the area. He also delivers healthy eating days and a range of different assemblies to schools in the local area.
Furthermore, Gavyn works within the Learning Zone as the lead mentor, where he helps young people develop basic skills in a more positive environment.
Jodie Travis – Community Dance Development Officer
Jodie’s role within the Wildcat Community team is to deliver the Street Dance Programme in schools, in and around the Wakefield area. She also assists with the running of the Wildcat Dolls Dance Academy, and is a member of the Wildcat Dolls.
Whilst Jodie was at college, studying performing arts, she danced for ‘Momentum Dance’ where she performed both in their Youth group and professionally, performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Youth Dance England and Disney Land Paris. Jodie now performs with ‘Attitude’ Dance Company based in Huddersfield.
Email: jodietravis@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk
You can contact the Community Team by calling the club on 01924 211611
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