THE WINNINGTON PARK COLUMN – By Dave Allcock

WINNINGTON Park ladies have commenced pre-season training this week. Training is Covid 19 secure and in accordance with RFU guidelines.

The ladies are keen to get back into action after having last season curtailed abruptly due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Although we have no definite start date for the season the ladies were keen to get back into action.

Park have a well established ladies team who last season played in the Women’s National Championship NC 2 (west).

Despite a mixed season, hampered by long-term injuries and absentees, the ladies finished a creditable seventh in the league and will be hoping to improve this season.

During the season the ladies play league games on Sunday afternoons and our thriving ladies squad now has more than 30 players. Our ladies train and prepare for match days every Thursday at Burrows Hill from 7pm to 8.30pm.

The number of teams within the county, while increasing, is still limited and a number of our squad travel some distance to play for the club. However the fantastic camaraderie and friendship which the ladies squad have generated make the travelling worthwhile with plenty of social activities take place alongside matches and training.

We are always looking for new players to join us and even if they have never touched a rugby ball before they are more than welcome. All the skills needed will be developed at our training and practice sessions.

The ladies squad have a dedicated coaching team led by Martin Eastwood, a former 1st XV player at Winnington Park, who is ably assisted by Mike Penny and Steve Berg with additional sessions provided by other coaches from within the club. Sessions are fun and are aimed at improving the Rugby skills of all the players regardless of experience.

Winnington Park Ladies team are kindly sponsored by the Lion Pub in Moulton

Ladies team captain Thea Breau said: “Although it hasn’t been a traditional game played by women, I would urge anyone to give it a try. It is fun, develops new skills and helps keep you fit. You meet new people and develop life-long friendships. It also provides a fantastic social experience.

“Our ladies are of mixed ages with many starting to play the game very recently. We have no barriers.”

Club President Brain Concannon says” The ladies are really valued at the club and are now an established part of Winnington Park. We try to ensure that the ladies team are treated the same as all our teams with equal access to the facilities, equipment and coaching support being the same as is provided for our Men’s teams.”

With girls teams at the club at under 13, 15 and 18 age groups we are also expecting a steady stream of talented players coming through our junior section in the future who will join our ladies team.

If you wish to give it a try contact Dave Allcock on 077932 48310. or contact us via our website at wprfc.com