Girls showcase their skills

The girls rugby league festival

Littleborough Sports Club hosted the first ever North West and Yorkshire Combined Girls Rugby League Festival last weekend.

Parents and spectators witnessed almost 200 players aged 11 to 16 arrive from over 20 clubs in an event that showcased the strength of the female game.

Representatives from the 2 girls clubs in the borough, Milnrow Cobras and Mayfield Mustangs were representing Rochdale and the ladies from Littleborough Hillside were on hand as volunteers.

The event was supported by a wide range of great initiatives, which included 22 young match officials becoming involved as part of their national camp which was held in Rochdale over the same weekend.

North West Talent Coach and Talent Coach Manager, Anthony Sullivan and Sean Mellor were on hand to identify future stars as part of the female player pathway, which included offering advice to players, coaches and spectators throughout the day.

“The commitment and enthusiasm is refreshing and the standards are definitely rising,” said a delighted Sullivan.

The RFL Youth Volunteer programme was also able to give an opportunity to six of its members from the North West and they became involved in planning the fixtures and logistics of the day.

Dan Parkinson, NW Regional Development Officer commented: “To see all the players come together on one day at such a great venue and be part of the festival is fantastic.

“Girls Rugby Leagueis well and truly heading in the right direction.

“I would like to say a big thanks to Brian Hurst from Littleborough and all his club members that helped put on such a special day for all, and I would also like to thank parents, match officials, volunteers and RFL colleagues for ensuring the day was a huge success.”

“We look forward to the return fixture later in 2011 in Yorkshire.”