ENGLAND Ladies and Saints Girls RL teamed up at a joint training session held at Thatto Heath last Saturday.
Head Coach of Saints Girls Geoff Alford said: “It was a really great day, and a massive thanks to the England team for coming down to Crusader Park. The players really enjoyed the experience and have now a clear focus on the pathway. I am looking forward to the day when we have an England Ladies representative out of our current squad; we know we have some really talented players here so it is only a matter of time.”
Steve Leonard added: “This is a great day for our Service Area as this gives a clear message to the players that with hard work and dedication there are real opportunities to represent our country at international level.
“Also coming up is the first Service Area programme for our girls in St Helens and Merseyside which will be held at the Saints Cowley Training Facility and delivered by Saints coaches. This is a massive link in the pathway and is the second rung on the ladder after playing Community games. Our aim is to take each individual who plays our sport in St Helens and Merseyside, as far along the pathway as they can and want to go.
“I feel that these opportunities have never been more readily available as they are at present and great thanks must go to everyone who has made this happen. I too am really looking forward to seeing this group of players flourish and who knows what will happen by way of International honours if they continue to work as hard as they are currently. The recruitment of players who come along to Service Area is exactly the same as the boys’ game. We will be working closely with the coaches at our clubs / schools and colleges etc in our area to leave no stone unturned to ensure we have opened the door to all.
“Really exciting times for the girls game and as far as I am aware a first by way of a Girls Service Area programme being run at the professional club partner. Again this shows how strong our partnerships are within the Service Area, and another example of how unique and Innovative our Service area is. A big thanks to Geoff and all at Thatto Heath for hosting the Girls Rugby League and to the Service Area Management Committee and Saints for making the pathway so clear and achievable.”
