East Riding Schools Girls' Rugby Development Programme
Hull Ionians RUFC has been working in partnership with East Riding Schools SSP and Bishop Burton College to establish East Riding Schools U14 and U16 Girls' Rugby Union teams.
Girls from schools across the East Riding were invited to attend a six-week programme of Saturday morning training sessions held at Bishop Burton College. The programme attracted excellent attendance, with players representing a wide range of schools from across the region.
The primary aim of the initiative was to raise awareness of girls' rugby union, increase participation, and provide opportunities for players to represent East Riding Schools in U14 and U16 teams during the school rugby season.
Each session combined rugby-specific conditioning, technical skills coaching, and game-based activities to develop players' confidence and ability in a supportive environment. The programme also provided information on the player development pathway within rugby union, highlighting opportunities to continue playing at local clubs and progress through the sport.
The initiative has successfully brought together girls from across the East Riding, creating new playing opportunities while strengthening links between schools, community rugby clubs, and further education. It has laid the foundations for sustainable East Riding Schools representative teams and will help support the continued growth of girls' rugby union across the area.