Women and Girls across Leeds are proving This Girl Can, with increasing numbers of females taking part in Rugby League in the city.
Last year Sport England launched a national campaign ‘This Girl Can’ to celebrate active women up and down the country and to encourage more females to take part in sport.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation are backing the campaign, through their Rugby League Development Plan, supported by Mears and the Sky Try programme, and are working with clubs and schools to create more opportunities for women and girls to play rugby league.
There are now more ways for girls to get involved in playing Rugby League in Leeds with an increased number of competitions and coaching delivery in schools and six Leeds community clubs now running female teams.
The charity’s Women's and Girls programme is overseen by England Women's Rugby League international, Lois Forsell who believes the women’s game is in a healthy position.
“Everyone who is involved in the game in Leeds is encouraged by the growing amount of female teams currently running and the numbers of girls taking part in Rugby League," said Forsell. "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.
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“If you are looking for a sport to get involved in I would recommend giving Rugby League a go. It teaches disciplines such as team work, respect and sportsmanship and is also a brilliant way to stay fit and active.”
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