As part of Leeds Rugby Foundation’s (LRF) Rugby League Development Plan for Leeds, sponsored by Mears, LRF recently teamed up with Leeds Irish Festival at the John Charles Centre for Sport which gave over 100 girls in the city an Irish flavoured day to remember.
The Development Plan aims to get more youngsters involved in our sport from the youngest of ages, be that as players or fans.
The Irish Festival provided plenty of entertainment for youngsters and families with inflatables, face painting and dancing all on offer.
As well as that, Leeds Rugby Foundation hosted nine girls’ rugby league teams from Yorkshire and one from Lancashire.
At U14s the following teams fought hard to win the Leeds Irish festival trophy: Kippax Roo's, Birstall Victoria, East Leeds, Dewsbury Celtic, Wigan St Jude's, Shawcross, Stanningley and Hunslet Hawks.
The weather was wet and muggy, but the girls did not let it bother them and put on a show of some fantastic rugby league. There were some close games, but the two teams who came out on top were Kippax Roos and Wigan St Jude's with the latter triumphing in the final following another close encounter.
The U16s trophy was contested by Wigan St Jude's and Hunslet Warriors. The match was a physical one with some strong carries and big tackles. Hunslet Warriors proved just a little more dominant than Jude's though and made sure that the trophy went home to Yorkshire after a 30 points to 6 win.
Lois Forsell, Leeds Rugby Foundation Girls Development Officer commented: “A great day was had by all. The rugby league was enjoyed by all and the activities and entertainment at the festival topped off a fantastic event,” she said.
“Thanks must go to the Leeds Irish Festival for their support of this festival for the second year running. I am also pleased to announce that the Leeds Irish festival for 2015 will be held on the 3rd weekend of July. I hope to see many of the teams back again for another fun-filled day!”