As girl’s rugby league participation continues to grow in the city, Leeds Rhinos Foundation ran their biggest ever girls high school festival as 16 teams came together for the Mears Year 7/8 finals
The tournament involved 16 teams from 14 schools, who have all worked with Women and Girl’s Rugby League Development Officer Lois Forsell throughout the school year in curriculum, lunchtime and after school rugby sessions to prepare them for competitive rugby.
The tournament at Woodkirk High School involving the two youngest school years playing in mixed year 7 and 8 teams saw teams play in group games before semi-final playoffs and an overall final to determine this year’s winner.
After a series of group games, Abbey Grange High School and Temple Moor competed in the overall final with Temple Moor coming out on top to win the trophy for 2017.
Through the charity’s Rugby League Development Plan sponsored by Mears, Lois has been working to develop stronger links between primary and high school rugby and community clubs operating in the city providing a platform for school pupils to gain an introduction to rugby league from a young age.
Working on touch and tag formats along with contact rugby in high school, girl’s rugby participation has seen a steady rise in the last few years with more clubs now running girls sections in the under 12, 14, 16s and Open Age categories and schools rugby seeing similarly high numbers of participation across Leeds.
Lois commented:
“It’s been a really good year for high school girl’s rugby across the board with a good take up in all formats we’ve delivered.
“To finish out the year with the two youngest age groups, with many playing rugby for the first time, and get 14 schools competing is very encouraging and I hope we see those girls who took part continue their school rugby but also look at joining clubs as well.”