Over the last 18 months, the club has made big progress in creating more opportunities for girls and young women. What started with just five girls playing at the club has grown to around 50 girls taking part regularly. This is part of wider growth across the club, where overall membership has increased by 34% to about 450 players.
This growth has come from the strong commitment of volunteers, coaches and club leaders to make rugby welcoming for both girls and boys. The girls’ team started with a small group of volunteer coaches and has since grown into a larger coaching team. The club aims to have female coaches working across age groups to provide positive role models for players. There are now four female rugby coaches at the club. The presence of female coaches and volunteers helps strengthen the message that rugby is a sport where girls and women belong, while also giving young players positive role models to look up to as they grow in the game.
During my visit, Mary spoke with some of the girls who play rugby at the club. They described the environment as kind, welcoming and supportive. They said coaches are easy to talk to and encouraging. Team spirit was very important to them, with players talking about teammates cheering each other on during training and matches, which helps build confidence.
Friendship was another major benefit of playing rugby. The girls said they have made friends they might not have met otherwise, including teammates from different schools. Playing rugby was also linked to better confidence, with some players saying the sport has helped them feel stronger.
When asked what they would say to a girl who thinks rugby is not for them, the players’ message was simple: give it a try. They encouraged others to come along and experience the sport.
Safety and comfort were also very important to the girls. They said they feel most supported when coaches and teammates treat each other with respect and focus on individual strengths.
Respect in the team was described as recognising what each player does well and giving everyone the chance to try different positions and roles.
One of the players said rugby has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated sport, but they believe this is changing. As one player explained, seeing girls play rugby shows that if other girls can do it, they can too.
The club’s girls’ section has also been shaped by listening to young people. The club has spoken directly with players about their experiences. This feedback helped shape activities such as nutrition education sessions.
After hearing from players, the club ran nutrition workshops for teams, including a session focused specifically for the girls. These sessions helped players and parents understand how nutrition needs can differ for female athletes and how they can support their bodies during training and matches.
Consistency has also been an important part of the club’s culture. Coaches keep sessions running, rather than cancelling when numbers are low. Some players had experienced other settings where sessions were cancelled if not enough people attended, which can be discouraging for young people building confidence in sport. Keeping sessions going sends the message that every player matters.
Hull Wyke Rugby League has also made practical changes to make the environment more inclusive and accessible. This includes improving changing rooms and toilet facilities so that all players feel comfortable.
Identity and belonging have also been supported through kit and sponsorship. Training tops were provided through sponsorship to strengthen team identity. Players also have access to kit designs that reflect their group, including a pink stripe (requested by the team) that allows some individuality while keeping a clear link to the club.
The growth and positive environment at the club would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers. Their time, energy and commitment have helped create opportunities for girls to enjoy rugby, build confidence and feel welcome in the sport.
Overall, the story of Hull Wyke Rugby League is not just about the increase in numbers, but about building a culture where girls feel confident, respected and excited to play.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the work at the club shows how grassroots sport can create real opportunities for girls and women. When clubs listen to young people, adapt their environments and invest in positive experiences, participation can grow alongside confidence, friendships and enjoyment.
