To mark ‘Women’s Sport Week’ we are celebrating some of the incredible work done by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation to encourage and support women and girls to get active.
The women and girl’s development section of Leeds Rhinos Foundation is headed up by England Women’s international Lois Forsell who, in her time with the charity, has seen the number of girls taking part in rugby league and joining their local teams increase.
“Each year more and more girls are giving rugby league a go and proving it is not just a sport for the boys,” Lois said. “At Leeds Rhinos Foundation, through our Rugby League Development Plan, we are committed to helping girls have the opportunities to play Rugby League and we have built great relationships with schools and clubs in Leeds to make this possible. Our work in schools can often be the first time girls have played Rugby League and we are all encouraged by how many then go on to play for their school team or join a club.
“Six clubs in Leeds now have women’s teams and this year we have had 19 schools taking part in contact Rugby League, which is up 14 from last year, and that is something we are really proud of.
“If you are looking for a sport to get involved in I would recommend trying Rugby League, I have been playing since I was seven and I love it. Rugby League teaches disciplines such as team work, respect and sportsmanship and is also a brilliant way to stay fit and also socialise with friends.”
Key facts
- 16 Primary School in Leeds competed in the city wide year 5 and 6 girls Tag Rugby Tournament in 2017
- 19 Leeds Schools took part in contact Rugby League in 2017, an increase of 14 from last year
- 22 Leeds Schools have taken part in touch Rugby League this year, up from 13 in 2016
- In March Leeds Rhinos Foundation ran a U12 Girls Rugby League Development programme
- Leeds Rhinos Foundation will host first ever primary school girls contact tournament in July
- Over 50 girls attended the Half Term Girls Talent ID camps in May
If you are interested in playing Rugby League below is a list of clubs that currently have girls teams.
Oulton Raidettes
Ages: Under-12s, Under-14s, Under-16s and Open Age
Contact: Matty Bullough 07545336813
Email: matbul12@googlemail.com
East Leeds
Ages: Under-12s, Under-14s, Under-14s, Under-16s and Open Age
Contact: Dean Gledhill 07789113515
Email: deangledhill@hotmail.co.uk
West Leeds
Ages: Under-12s, Under-14s, Under-14s, Under-16s and Open Age
Contact: Donna Tobitt 07766556828
Email: donna_tobitt@hotmail.com
Hunslet Warriors
Ages: Under-14s, Under-16s and Open Age
Contact: Joanne Wilson-Wetherill
Email: jo_ww@hotmail.co.uk
Farnley Falcons
Under-12s, Under-14s
Contact: Jonny Adams 07743900239
Email: jonny.adams@hotmail.co.uk
Stanningley
Ages: Open Age
Contact: Darren Woods: 07929252960
Email: dejwoods74@gmail.com