To mark ‘Women’s Sport Week’ we are celebrating some of the incredible work done by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation to promote and develop Rugby League to women across the city.
The ambition to help more women in Leeds get involved in the sport has always been at the heart of what Leeds Rhinos Foundation does, with the charity having employed a dedicated Women and Girls Development Officer since its inception, ten years ago.
Their delivery of coaching in schools and clubs for women and girls, is part of the charity’s Rugby League Development plan for the city, which is supported by key partners MEARS, and aims to make Leeds a leader for Rugby League development and opportunity by 2016.
The programme is overseen by England Women’s Rugby League international, Lois Forsell, whose role is to increase the interest and participation of female Rugby League in schools and community clubs in the city. Her work involves delivering Rugby League coaching sessions to High Schools during curriculum time and after school, running tag and contact rugby competitions for primary schools, high schools and community clubs throughout the year.
Speaking about how the sport is now becoming more accessible for girls, Lois said:
"I think traditionally Rugby League wasn’t necessarily seen as a sport for girls to play, but I think that is changing and girls are definitely showing a bigger interest in the schools we work in and following our coaching delivery are taking up the game further with their local club. Just last year for Tag rugby we had something like 16 schools entered and playing tag at year 5 and 6 and this year we’ve already got 18 schools entered.
“When I was at school we didn’t have anyone from the outside coming in and coaching like the Leeds Rhinos Foundation do and I think it is massive for the girls today, they seem to really enjoy someone different coming into the school. They are now realising that it’s not just for the boys anymore and they might enjoy it as much as anyone else and I think that’s the reason for it growing as much as it currently is.”
If you are interested in playing Rugby League below is a list of clubs that currently have girls teams or if you would like to have a go at Tag Rugby why not come along to our Tag Tuesday sessions at Leeds Rugby Academy, Kirkstall every Tuesday between June and September from 7pm until 9pm. These sessions are open to players of all abilities, gender and the age group is 14 plus.
East Leeds – U13’s & 15’s contact Dean Gledhill 07789113515
Hunslet Hawks – U13’s & 15’s and open age contact Donna Tobitt – 07766556828
Hunslet Warriors – U17’s contact Tracey Joyce – 07530744972
Kippax Kangaroo’s – U13’s & U15’s contact Sara Denton – 07955805440
Oulton Raidettes – U13’s, 15’s, 17s and open age contact Matty Bullough – 07545336813
Stanningley Girls & Women – U13’s, U15’s, 17’s & Open age contact Elaine Skinner – 07912746575
For more information on getting involved in women and girls' Rugby League email lois.forsell@leedsrugby.com