THE 2017 season marked a proud milestone for Leigh Miners Rangers women’s team as the campaign saw the first ever graduates from the newly-established girls team move on to experience open age rugby.

Back in 2015, Leigh Miners Ladies advertised a rugby league taster session for girls aged 10-16.

The aim was to develop a pathway for girls, to allow them to continue training and playing rugby throughout their early teens in preparation for joining the ladies open age team once they turn 16.

Most of the new starters were brand new to the game but they eagerly pitched in to the training and match day, travelling to play teams from Yorkshire and Whitley Bay as well as curtain-raiser games to the women’s team at Twist Lane and matchday events at Leigh Centurions.

One of the girls who answered the call was rugby-mad Megan Short.

She had played rugby union since she was 9 years old but upon turning 12 found she could no longer play in a boys team. As there wasn’t a girls team locally she had to stop playing. Megan came along to the taster session and loved it! Fast forward 2 years and she has now made her debut for the ladies team and is the first of the girls to progress through the pathway.

Hopefully following in Megan’s footsteps is Hollie Gregory who is soon turning 16. Hollie has trained with the girls for 2 years and played in a number of matches, impressing with her strong running and fearless tackling. She is now ready to take the next step and will join the ladies team for preseason training in January. The younger girls look up to Megan and Hollie and as the female game is continually improving they are excited about the future and the opportunities that are available.

There are now almost 20 girls registered at Leigh Miners with some younger girls ready and waiting to register next season! The commitment, talent and ambition is clear to see.

New players are always welcome as we continue to build and develop the pathway for girls from under 12s to open age.

For more information please contact:

Celia Farrimond (girls aged 10-15) 07739305286.

Gareth Paine (ladies aged 16+) 07714639555.