NEW Bury Rugby Union coach Simon Entwistle has invited anyone interested in joining the club to take part in an open training session.

The trials day will be part of a family event being held at the club's Radcliffe Road ground from 12.30pm Saturday.

Entwistle, who previously coached hometown Rossendale and Pendle and teaches rugby in schools for the RFU, wants to reach out to the local community to boost support for the club, both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

"I want a real family feel to the place, which is why we have decided to put on this day, to get everybody involved and give people the chance to see what we are doing here," he said.

"It will start off with a training session, followed by a trial game.

"But there will also be a barbecue and a bouncy castle.

"All are welcome, whether you want to try out for the team or bring the kids down for a nice afternoon out."

Prospective players are asked to arrive at 12.30pm, with the trial game due to start around 2.15pm.

Preparations are already well under way for the new season, which kicks off on Saturday, August 27 with a trip to South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two side Eagle, in Warrington, for a first-round Lancashire Cup tie.

The first game of the Lancashire (North) season will be at home to Ashton-Under-Lyne the following Saturday, September 3.

Entwistle has been busy getting to know his new players over the past few weeks after being recruited to the role of head coach over the summer.

"I came to Bury with a completely clean slate. I didn't know anyone here, I interviewed for the role," said the 46-year-old, who played for Preston Grasshoppers, Altrincham Kersal and Rossendale.

"That means every player has had a fresh start as well, which I think has helped.

"I like to think I am a forward-thinking, proactive coach, and want to bring a modern feel to the club and the team's approach.

"Since arriving I have tried to take everything back to basics, given the team a structure to build on and the lads have really bought into it.

"We have got a good squad of players already here, so we are all looking forward to the season."