A RUGBY league community group has been praised by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin after launching its first girls’ rugby teams.

Birkenshaw Blue Dogs made history in the club’s four decades of youth rugby training and matches when it launched the girls’ under-7s and under-13s teams back in June. It came in the face of increasing demand.

A founding member of East Bierley Community Sports Association, the rugby club saw a rise in interest from girls during last year’s lockdowns as more young people missed out on physical exercise and team sports.

Bolu Fagborun, Birkenshaw Blue Dogs’ Sports Development Officer and former professional rugby player for Huddersfield, Sheffield and Nigeria, said: “During lockdown we had enquiries from daughters, sisters and other relatives who attended or supported the club and felt inspired to play the sport but didn’t have an outlet for getting involved. 

“The determination of the girls to have a team of their own was so strong we pushed our resources this year, to make it happen.”

The girls’ teams now train every week and are already playing competitive matches, with the aim of entering the under-13s regional league in 2022.

The club has now been commended by Ms Brabin for its work.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Birkenshaw Blue Dogs for launching their first ever girls’ rugby teams.

"The recent outreach and expansion of the East Bierley Community Sports Association is amazing to see and a lesson to us all in the importance of community spirit and pulling together during the pandemic. But, it’s the positive impact on the girls themselves that should be celebrated most.

"From the athleticism of the sport to the camaraderie of playing in a team, these young women will emerge from the pandemic fitter, healthier and more confident than ever and better able to navigate the opportunities and challenges that life may throw at them.”

Birkenshaw Blue Dogs is now looking for a permanent coach for the girls’ teams and is continuing its quest to secure additional sponsorship to support its work.

Mary Turpin, 12, who was inspired after watching her brother play for the Birkenshaw Blue Dogs, said: “I started out playing with the boys’ under-7s but was really pleased when the club started the girls’ teams. I’ve already made loads of friends and we’re all really proud that we’re part of the first ever Birkenshaw Blue Dogs girls’ teams.

I’m learning more and improving my skills each week and it’s been great to feel active again after lockdown.”

For more information on coaching or sponsorship opportunities please contact Bolu Fagboru. 

For information on the team training and joining protocols visit https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkenshawrugby, https://www.ebcsa.co.uk  or telephone 07939 382758.