Leeds Rhinos Foundation Women and Girl’s Development Officer, Lois Forsell ran a camp for under 13 and 15 girls on Tuesday, bringing in 28 girls to enjoy a skill development session and meet some Leeds Rhinos first team players as part of the camp experience
As part of Lois’ ongoing commitment to develop Girls and Women’s Rugby League in the area, the camp was introduced as a pilot offering for girls looking to develop their Rugby further and work on some specific skill development with the England Rugby League star and fellow Leeds Rhinos Foundation colleague and level 2 coach Richard Cattley.
The one-day camp was open to all abilities to come and try Rugby League for free at one of Leeds’ biggest community clubs in the area and along with some players from the Oulton Raidettes, the camp attracted players from East Leeds, Kippax Kangaroo’s and Hunslet Hawks along with girls who had travelled from as far as Halifax and Selby for the camp.
The girls could also take inspiration from some of the Leeds Rhinos First team players who made an appearance at the camp to offer a Q&A, take photos and provide signatures including Rob Mulhern, Andy Yates, Ash Handley, Josh Walters, Jimmy Keinhorst and Robbie Ward and Liam Sutcliffe, who put their coaching badges to good use by providing coaching stations on the day.
Lois Forsell commented on the success of the camp at Oulton:
“We have had great numbers here from many of the girls who play in local clubs and want to develop their game further, so it’s been really encouraging but we have also had some girls from further afield which is demonstrating the growing reach of the sport and how many girls are interested in linking up with local clubs, so it's really pleasing."
Next up for Lois is a festival in Newcastle to coincide with the Magic Weekend event and will see girl’s teams who were not able to play at the recent Rhinos Challenge due to the event being sold out play out a tournament and enjoy the Rugby League Atmosphere in the North East this weekend.
For more information on playing Rugby League in your local area contact: Lois.Forsell@leedsrugby.com