Salford Red Devils have announced the launch of a new Women’s Open Age team for the 2022 season.
The new Open Age team will be the pinnacle of the existing girl’s pathway that runs alongside the boys rising stars programme and will sit above the existing Dual development Academy based at Eccles Sixth Form College.
Salford Red Devils Foundation will be driving forward this new venture with the full support of the club.
Salford Red Devils Foundation Director Neil Blackburn stated: "We have been developing our girls programme over the last couple of years to run alongside our rising stars programme and with our College Development academy being a dual pathway, now is the perfect time to launch our Women's Team.
"We are extremely excited to be able to launch the first Salford Red Devils Women's team that will now give the opportunity for women to represent Salford Red Devils at the highest level."
The club have also announced the appointment of Marc Simon as the clubs first-ever Women's head coach. Simon has a wealth of experience, coaching Rugby League for over 20 years and has been a prominent figure in the women’s game for the last decade.
During this time, Marc has coached at teams such as Widnes Vikings and Warrington Wolves and has been a key figure in the Development of the women’s game at both clubs. Marc has also been the head coach of Lancashire Women’s Team for the last 5 years and has had a great deal of success.
Speaking on his appointment, Marc Simon said: "I am looking forward to working with such a well-respected club, that not only has that family feel, but holds its fans in such high regard.
"I look forward to creating a club which drives women's rugby within Salford forward and has a positive atmosphere that players will thrive in. I can’t wait to get started."
Simon is wasting no time in getting started and will be holding 2 open training sessions/trials for all women who wish to be part of the first ever women’s team at Salford Red Devils.
These dates will be Monday 18th October and Wednesday 20th October.
Salford Red Devils Foundation head of equality and diversity Craig Fisher said: "I am delighted Marc has come on board, he brings a lot of experience and also tremendous enthusiasm which will see him do well in the role.
"When you read his CV with all the coaching he has done over the past 20 years, Marc seems the perfect person to lead our first ever Women’s team at Salford Red Devils."
Salford Red Devils director of rugby and operations Ian Blease added: "The Foundation have done a brilliant job on this one in providing an opportunity for women in Salford to play rugby league at the highest level.
"Marc Simon has played a pivotal role in driving the women’s game forward over recent years and he is a brilliant appointment for us. I'm looking forward to watching how our first ever Women’s team will progress from 2022."
You can register your interest in playing for the first Salford Red Devils Women’s team, HERE.
Equally, if you would like to be involved in a non-playing capacity, please register HERE.
