As part of Women’s Sport Week we are celebrating women and girls rugby league and the work done by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation to promote and develop the sport to women across the city.
Through the charity's Rugby League Development Plan, sponsored by Mears, the Sky Try programme and the women and girl's development work supported by Stowe Family Law, Leeds Rhinos Foundation aim to help more women in Leeds get involved in playing rugby league. Since the school year started in since Leeds Rhinos Foundation have coached 500 girls in schools and have supported Girls Rugby League Taster Sessions at clubs across the city.
The Women's and Girls programme is overseen by England Women’s Rugby League international, Lois Forsell, whose role 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.
“Rugby League is a fantastic sport to get involved in. It teaches disciplines such as team work, respect, sportsmanship and is also a brilliant way to stay fit and I would recommend girls to give it a go.
“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 girl's teams. There is also a Taster Session at West Leeds this Wednesday 5th October for girls looking to get involved in the game.
East Leeds – U13s and 15s contact Dean Gledhill 07789113515
Hunslet Warriors – U17s contact Tracey Joyce – 07530744972
Oulton Raidettes – U13s, 15s, 17s and open age contact Matty Bullough – 07545336813
Stanningley Girls & Women – U13s, U15s and Open age contact Elaine Skinner – 07912746575
West Leeds Women http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/westleeds/contact/
For more information on getting involved in women and girls' Rugby League email lois.forsell@leedshinosfoundation.org