Collegians has taken another significant step in growing the female game, hosting its first all-girls tackle clinic on Monday night and bringing together players from Under 12s through to Under 18s for a dedicated skills session.
The clinic focused on teaching the fundamentals of safe tackling while building confidence, teamwork and friendships across the club’s female pathway.
Collegians junior registrar and Illawarra Rugby League Board member Wanda Methven said the evening was designed to create an environment where younger players could develop their skills while learning alongside the club’s older girls.
“It was just for the girls to get around each other, get a bit of experience and also learn from the older girls as well,” Methven said.
Safety and confidence were at the heart of the session, with players learning the correct tackling techniques from experienced coaches and development staff.
“They need to be taught the correct way to tackle, they need to be taught how to be tackled, how to land in a tackle, where to put your head,” Methven said.
“It’s all very important and confidence-building at the start for young girls, especially because you’ve got 11 and 12-year-old girls playing.
“Some have played boys tackle from a younger age. Some are just brand new girls this year to tackle, so it’s pretty important to start them off in the right environment and have the right people around them.”
The clinic reflects Collegians’ commitment to female rugby league, with the club proudly fielding teams across all five female age groups in the Illawarra competition.
“We’re the only club in the Illawarra to have all five teams in all five ages, so we’re pretty proud to be a part of that as well,” Methven said.
Methven believes the continued growth of the NRLW and the expansion of local female competitions are inspiring more girls than ever to give rugby league a try.
“I think NRLW, watching the girls on TV, now the girls are able to play as well,” she said.
“With the Illawarra Rugby League opening up the Under 12s Girls Tackle competition this year, that’s been pretty positive.
“We’re proud to be a part of that and help get it off the ground, while showing girls there’s a pathway for them to play at the elite level.”
Supported by experienced coaches, the club’s coaching coordinator and NRL Development staff, the clinic also gave newcomers the confidence to experience rugby league in a safe and welcoming environment.
“It’s a chance to have a look and see that they are being taught the correct techniques and that the right people are around them,” Methven said.
“We’ve got the right people showing them and they’re passionate about growing the female game.
“It’s about showing the girls there is a future in rugby league if they want to pursue it, or if they simply want to play for fun with their friends, there’s a place for them too.”
As female participation continues to increase across the Illawarra, initiatives like Collegians’ all-girls tackle clinic are helping ensure the next generation of players have the skills, confidence and support to enjoy the game from their very first tackle.
Words: Harrison Mellare
Images supplied