Rugby League News: Hull FC Restructuring Continues as Head of Youth Pete Riding Departs
Hull, UK – In a significant move amid the ongoing restructuring at Hull FC, the club has confirmed that Head of Youth Pete Riding has departed the organization by mutual consent. This development comes as the Black and Whites continue to make sweeping changes ahead of the 2025 season.
The 2023 campaign has been a challenging one for Hull FC, prompting a series of off-field adjustments. This includes the dismissal of head coach Tony Smith, the appointment of John Cartwright as the new head coach on a three-year deal, and the arrival of Richie Myler as the club’s Director of Rugby.
Riding’s departure, after a two-and-a-half-year stint with the club, is the latest in the reorganization process. During his tenure, he oversaw substantial progress in the club’s youth development program, restructuring the pathway to feature 13 individual teams and hundreds of young players.
The club’s statement highlighted the “major success” achieved under Riding’s leadership, with the senior squad now boasting a wealth of homegrown talent.
Only recently, Davy Litten signed a new two-year contract, with the club crediting Riding and his team’s “tireless work” as instrumental in the player’s development.
Riding expressed his belief that the current pathways and recruitment strategies are well-positioned to serve the club’s future success and growth. Citing the arrival of Richie Myler as the Director of Rugby and the new direction for the youth program, Riding felt the time was right to hand over the day-to-day operations of the Centre of Excellence to an internal restructure.
Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson echoed Riding’s sentiments, acknowledging the significant contribution he made in reinvigorating and restructuring the club’s youth pathway. Pearson emphasized that the club is well-equipped to build upon Riding’s blueprint, ensuring a successful academy structure that continues to produce the Super League players of tomorrow.
As Hull FC navigates this period of restructuring, the club’s focus remains on positioning itself for a successful 2025 season and beyond, with the youth development program playing a crucial role in the organization’s long-term vision.
🔗 Source
