After a successful summer of sessions, York RLFC will continue their RugBees programme.
York RLFC's RugBees programme were launched in June as part of a wider national strategy, in partnership with the RFL, aimed to introduce new players into the sport through sessions targeted exclusively at primary school age girls.
Following the success of RugBees this summer, we have extended our number of sessions, which will take place at the York St John University Sports Park every Monday continuing into the autumn. RugBees will now take place at the later time of 7pm-8pm, with floodlights in place at the training base.
The opportunity allows girls to train at the same facilities as the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Finalists, York Valkyrie.
The female game is growing in participation at all levels, with York having seen a boom in registered players playing the community game.
The additional playing opportunities in York now open to girls is now wider than ever through the York RLFC RISE Programme and the York Valkyrie Under-19s.
York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager Adam Prentis said: "The RugBees programme is open to girls who are both new to the sport and those who already have experience in the community game.
"This is reflected in our sessions, with sessions using tag belts and tackle shield to practice both non-contact and contact variations of the game. The weekly training sessions aim to help girls develop in confidence whilst having plenty of fun and being able to enjoy sport for all that it offers.
"Up until Under-12s, girls and boys can play community rugby league within the same team. This is something that we still support and encourage for girls wishing to do so.
After such age, girls and boys must play separately. We see RugBees as a way of promoting the sport to a wider audience and to help encourage more girls into the sport."
