GIANTS INVEST IN FUTURE OF WOMEN'S GAME

Huge development in Women’s game led by Huddersfield Giants Community Trust

Huddersfield Giants are delighted by the exciting progression and development accomplished by the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust (HGCT) in advancing the participation of the Women’s game in the local community.

2018 has seen a very competitive U19’s Women’s side thriving in their first season of existence, with successful Community Development work in Schools and Girls ETP (England Talent Pathway) programmes across the year providing a platform for girls to participate in rugby league.

A culmination of all this positive work has led to exciting future ambitions with 2019 set to bring another season for the U19’s team, this time alongside an open age group with an application to have a Super League side currently in the works. Ahead of the 2021 World Cup, great strides are being made to truly advance the participation in the women’s game for the landmark event. Trials for the Giants team will soon begin in an attempt to form a strong squad for the 2019 campaign.

This advancement means we’ll see over 30 games being played across the season for a 50-person strong squad between the two teams. As a result, there are many exciting opportunities arising with HGCT looking to hire a range of volunteers, coaching staff, social media gurus and some aspiring commentators.

The game isn’t just thriving on the field, but off the field too with teams receiving a significant amount of support through sponsorship with the University of Huddersfield, local car dealership St Andrews Motors and Easy Bathrooms.

Huddersfield Giants Head of Women’s Rugby, Steve Stead, commented: “The women & girls game is growing immeasurably and I am excited to be in a position to be able to help make a difference and advance the game throughout Huddersfield. I’m delighted with the progression we’ve seen through 2018 with the U19’s team which has provided a solid platform for us to really build from. The superb work of Community Development Officers in schools across Kirklees and the numerous Girls ETP programmes through the year is undoubtedly making a difference as we start to see some really talented rugby players now be given a chance to play at a very competitive level. The future is very exciting for all the young rugby players out there who now have a chance to be able to learn and play quality rugby league. Finally, I’d just like to thank everyone who has supported the U19s side this season, the entirety of the playing squad was sponsored, and the help of St Andrews Motor Company and The University of Huddersfield, in particular, have been a massive aid throughout the year.”

For anyone who is interested in working or playing or is keen to know more about the development of the Women and Girls teams, please email steve@hgct.co.uk for more information.