It was not too long ago that Leeds Rhinos Women’s player Shannon Lacey was receiving coaching from Leeds Rhinos Foundation in her school, and now the loose forward is working with the charity to help develop and mentor new players herself.
The former Stanningley ARLFC player is an apprentice development officer with the Foundation and delivers coaching sessions in schools and clubs to help grow the women and girls’ game.
Lacey joined Rhinos team mates Aimee Staveley and Chloe Kerrigan to visit the u14s girls player pathway at John Charles Centre for Sport last week, with the trio helping to provide coaching support and share their own knowledge and advice with the players.
“I am really enjoying my role with Leeds Rhinos Foundation,” said Lacey.
“It gives me the chance to get out into the local community and work with the younger generation. I think there is a growing interest in the game and they all know about the Rhinos Women’s team and the Super League competition which helps. We are the first Rhinos Women’s team and we feel like we are creating the platform for these younger players.
“I think it’s clear that the women’s game is growing and I hope our work in the community can inspire even more girls to play Rugby League.”
“I remember Lois Forsell coming to my school to coach me and now I’m playing in the same team as her.”
Now in her second season, Lacey is also pleased that the Rhinos have got two victories under their belt to begin the 2019 season.
“To pick up two wins was really pleasing for us. Against Wakefield we were composed and able to stick to our game plan, whereas against Featherstone it was a bit more scrappy, but it was great to come away with the win again and it showed that when we are under pressure we can regroup and get the all-important two competition points.”
For more information on the work Leeds Rhinos Foundation do to support the growth of the women and girls game, please contact lois.forsell@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.