Largely due to Covid and all its implications, we did struggle to get players for all girls' squads down for training over the summer. However, with the return to school and college and the semblance of some normality we have been buoyed by the increased numbers at training over the past couple of weeks. We know that a number of clubs throughout Yorkshire are in a similar situation to us, which is a great shame.
Thankfully, the first game at Old Brods was a success and a highly enjoyable match and some exciting rugby was played - regrettably, both clubs could only raise U18s' teams. Likewise for this Sunday's fixture against Hull Ionians at home there is only an U18s' match. However, with talented players returning to U15s and good numbers in an enthusiastic U13s' squad we are hoping to start to get the required numbers for each of our age group 3 teams. We are actively seeking fixtures to add to the ones that we've arranged already and this will help the teams develop and grow.
As always we are looking to provide opportunities for girls to try a new sport with a Girls Rugby Satellite Club at the King's School Pontefract starting next week and we're encouraging all existing players to bring their friends down to come and give us a try out - our players are the best recruiters. As always, we're looking for absolute beginners as well as experienced players. We hope that we can get more girls down to fill the ranks – and to provide the continuity that we require to grow the squads and overall as a club – and for the girls to grow and fulfil their own potential.
We emphasise that the rugby has to be fun for everyone. We don’t have leagues and all matches are ‘friendlies’. We want the girls to do well but our ethos is not ‘win at all costs’ and there is something that the girls can learn from concentrating on how well they do as individuals and as a team – as a matter of policy we don’t publish score of games but we do praise performance and attitude. We do put great store on winning with humility and losing with grace but doing both with dignity.
Training is every Wednesday:
U13s (Y7 and 8) 5.30-6.30
U15s (Y9 and 10) 6.00-7.00
U18s (Y11, 12 and 13) 6.45-8.15
For more details contact Steve Ball on 07707927090 or wg.rugby@castlefordrufc.com