SALFORD RED DEVILS WOMEN SET TO BEGIN THEIR SUPER LEAGUE 2 ADVENTURE

After an inaugural campaign that was full of success, our history-making Women’s team are about to embark on their first Betfred Super League 2 journey.

They take on Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose jungle in Round 1, with Head Coach, Chris Bates already naming his 19-woman squad for the game.

His side includes a lot of the team that won the League Cup and League Leaders’ Shield in 2022, but some fresh faces have supplemented his squad nicely ahead of the big kick-off.

Sam Evans, Summer Harris and Emma Hickey are all included in the 19, with Louise Fellingham continuing her role as Club captain in 2023.

If you would like to join us in West Yorkshire, come down to Wheldon Rd, WF10 2SD at 2pm to get behind the girls!

Please note that player sponsorship is still available for some of our Women’s stars and you can find out more information by emailing commercial@salfordreddevils.net!

SELCO EXTENDS SALFORD RED DEVILS PARTNERSHIP 

Selco Builders Warehouse has demonstrated its commitment to rugby league in Manchester by sponsoring Salford Red Devils Women for the 2023 campaign. 

The leading builders merchant began a three-year-deal as the front of shirt sponsor with Salford’s men team last season in which they embarked on a memorable run to reach the Super League play-off semi-finals. 

Now Selco, which has a branch on Regent Street, will provide the same sponsorship for the female team ahead of their first season in Super League 2. 

Salford Red Devils Women were formed at the start of last season and finished top of the Championship League, as well as winning the League Cup. 

Carine Jessamine, marketing director of Selco, said: “We are delighted to extend our involvement with Salford Red Devils to also support the women’s team ahead of a huge season. 

“We are long-term backers of rugby league and in supporting the World Cup last year, we demonstrated out commitment to helping the sport grow. 

“Salford’s women’s team had a fantastic first season in 2022 and it was a natural fit to provide our backing as they move into the second tier of women’s rugby league. 

“We wish them, and the men’s team, every success for the forthcoming season.” 

There are plans for a number of Salford Red Devils Women’s matches to be played as part of double-headers with the men’s team at the Salford Stadium this season, and the team will also feature in the Women’s Challenge Cup for the first time. 

Marcelle Lock, manager of Salford Red Devils Women, said: “It’s been an incredible 12 months since the team was formed and we have come a long way in a very short period of time. 

“To have Selco on board as our main sponsors and matching the men’s team on that front is a fantastic boost for us all. 

“Next season will be a fantastic experience for the whole team and we are looking forward to the challenge.” 

With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 74 UK branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. 

As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver and Click & Collect services and a new app to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople. 

For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com 

SALFORD RED DEVILS WOMEN TO FACE WIGAN WARRIORS AND LEIGH LEOPARDS IN PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

Salford Red Devils Women will face Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards Women in pre-season, as they gear up for their first campaign in the Betfred Women’s Super League.

Their first stern test will be Kris Ratcliffe’s Warriors side at Salford Roosters, on Sunday 5th March, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm. More details around this fixture will be confirmed in due course.

They will then return to action on April 5th when we host Leigh Leopards, on the same day Paul Rowley’s men take on Huddersfield Giants in the Betfred Super League. The specific venue for this fixture will also be confirmed very soon.

Our girls played their first-ever game as a team just 12 months ago, and will compete in Group 2 of the Women’s Super League this season, as well as the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup.

Head Coach, Chris Bates has said: “We are coming to the end of a pre-season where the group have worked tirelessly throughout. We can’t wait to get going and get into some pre-season games.

“We’re clear in our aim of wanting to compete at the very top and facing both Wigan and Leigh in pre-season will give us an idea of where we are at!”

SALFORD RED DEVILS WOMEN ARE PROMOTED TO SUPER LEAGUE GROUP 2

We’re delighted to announce that Salford Red Devils Women have been promoted to Super League Group 2 for the 2023 campaign.

After only losing two competitive fixtures – at a 91% win rate – last season, the girls’ outstanding performances have been recognised. They racked up a staggering 406 points difference on their way to a League Cup and League Leaders Shield double – before just falling short in the Grand Final against Oulton Raidettes.

Typically, the Grand Final winners are offered the chance of promotion, however, after careful consideration, Oulton have decided they could not commit to the specified criteria and our Women’s side have been offered the same opportunity.

Women’s Head Coach, Chris Bates said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Salford Red Devils Women get to go up a league and test themselves in Super League Group 2 – promotion feels like a deserved reward for the team after a fantastic first season.

“It’s easy to forget that we played in every competitive game across a long cup run and a full Championship season, winning 19 out of a possible 21 games.

“It’s the ultimate reward for the hard work that the team put in last season, and we can’t wait to get back into pre-season and build towards this next challenge.”

Women’s Team Manager, Marcelle Lock added: “Being offered the opportunity of promotion into Super League 2 after just one competitive season as a team reflects the hard work and commitment every single person in this group has displayed over the last 12 months.

“They have continued to demonstrate both on and off the field their calibre and drive for success and I could not be prouder – they really are a special bunch.

“Super League was always the goal; the players and staff – who are all volunteers – have done phenomenally well in achieving this along with the support from the club and the foundation. I am really looking forward to seeing what 2023 will bring!”

There is still time to sign-up for Women’s team trials. Everyone who completes the below form will be contacted before the trial date to find out if they are successful, with a cut-off date of November 2nd after 1pm.

SIGN UP HERE: https://bit.ly/3SsWQ6a

Group Two: Barrow Raiders, Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Leigh Leopards, Salford Red Devils.

SALFORD RED DEVILS WOMEN TO HOST A SERIES OF TRIALS FOR SUPER LEAGUE 2

RECRUITING FOR SUPER LEAGUE GROUP 2

After a successful debut season, Salford Red Devils Women are looking to recruit fresh talent ahead of the 2023 campaign. 

Filled with so many incredible memories, our girls picked up the League Cup and League Leaders’ Shield across 2022 and were rewarded with promotion to Super League Group 2.

The team are now hosting a series of trials for aspiring players and you can take part by filling in the following form. Applications close on November 2nd after 1pm and everyone who completes the above will be contacted before the trial date to find out if they are successful.

Trial dates:

November 7th – 6.30-8pm – Salford City Roosters

November 9th – 7-8pm – Salford City Roosters

November 14th – 7-8pm – Salford City Roosters

November 16th – 7-8pm – Salford City Roosters

FILL OUT THE FORM HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/wVGKicETaB

For any other enquiries or to get involved with the women’s team – including becoming a sponsor – contact womensrl@salfordreddevils.net.

MATCH REPORT | SALFORD RED DEVILS WOMEN 30-4 SWINTON LIONESSES

Salford Red Devils Women breezed past Swinton Lionesses this afternoon, in what was the team’s first ever rugby league match.

Vanessa Hadley put herself in the record books as the first woman to score a try for Salford, powering over down the right in the 11th minute to give her side the lead.

Salford’s Sam Boyes bundled over the line in the 25th minute – her strength proving too much for the Swinton defence to handle.

Halftime: Salford Red Devils Women 8-0 Swinton Lionesses

The visitors scored their only try of the game in the 46th minute, Chloe Birkett going over in the right corner.

Salford then went on to score three tries within the next 10 minutes, Lauren Ellison, Abi Collins and the captain, Louise Fellingham, all getting themselves on the scoresheet. Demi Jones became the first woman to score a conversion for Salford, following Collins’ try.

Casey Naylor scored the last try of the game shortly before the final hooter, powering over under the sticks to top what was an outstanding performance from our girls at the The Salford Stadium.

Fulltime: Salford Red Devils 30-4 Swinton Lionesses

Salford Red Devils Women: Abi Collins, Casey Naylor, Charlotte Cross, Darcey Price, Demi Jones, Eponine Fletcher, Erin Tong, Gabrielle Chaplin, Genevieve Parkin, Hannah Wicks, Helena Walker, Jena Monks, Kayleigh Bradshaw, Kia Doyle, Laura Bent, Lauren Chaplin, Lauren Ellison, Lauren Hunter, Louise Fellingham (c), Megan Condliffe, Olivia Miah, Sam Boyes, Steph Gray, Tamzin Corcoran, Vanessa Hadley (VC), Victoria Kini (VC), Yasmin Parton-Sotomayor.

Swinton Lionesses: Eve Ashcroft, Mia Atherton, Patrcyja Baronek, Isabel Birds, Chloe Birkett, Kara Breeze, Leah Christian, Maddison Corrigan, Ashley Deas, Holly Grimes, Emily Haley, Maddison Higson, Abbie Parkes-Holden, Skye Johnson, Chloe Latham, Jo Mullins, Helena Riley, Rebecca Roden, Mollie Scotson, Catherine Sweeney, Emily Swift, Carla Taylor, Ellie Thirkell, Ellie Walsh.

Image credit: Steve McCormick

Excitement builds in the Women’s camp ahead of first fixture

Tomorrow morning will see our Women’s team compete in their first ever game, facing off against Swinton Lionesses at the The Salford Stadium, and our girls are eager to get out on the field.

The Women’s team open up tomorrow’s double header at 11:45am and have been working hard in training to ensure they put in a solid performance.

Salford Red Devils Women’s head coach, Chris Bates said: “Pre-season has been really good, I’m amazed at how this team has turned out. The way the girls have come together and tackled challenges, developed as a team and really learnt to understand each other, is class really.

“The girls are really looking forward to Saturday. We don’t know much about Swinton as they didn’t play in a league last year, so we’ve mainly focused on our own game.

“This game’s a fantastic opportunity and all the girls are really excited.”

Salford Red Devils Women’s captain, Louise Fellingham, commented: “Training has been going really well, everyone has been working hard and improving week on week. Since we’ve come back in the new year, you can tell the intensity has ramped up a notch.

“The team are excited at the prospect of pulling on the Salford jersey for the first time and taking to the field in front of a home crowd. We can’t wait to play at the AJ Bell.

“Playing against the Lionesses will be a valuable challenge for us, but with the experience we have in the squad, we are confident that we can put on a good performance – which we can then build on going into the season.”

Join us at the The Salford Stadium tomorrow, to catch our Women’s team in action for the very first time! Grab your tickets HERE.

 

2022 WOMEN’S SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce our first ever Women’s squad ahead of their inaugural 2022 season.

Louise Fellingham will captain the team, with Vanessa Hadley and Victoria Kini both taking vice captain roles.

Salford Red Devils Foundation Director Neil Blackburn said: “I’m thrilled to see the women’s team coming to fruition, there has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to enable this momentous occasion. I believe that rugby league is for all and here at Salford Red Devils we definitely live by that motto.

We are extremely active in our community and the women’s team is also joined by PDRL and LDSL teams that really do offer opportunities for the whole of our community throughout Salford and greater Manchester to participate in games.

I look forward to cheering on the women’s team alongside all our outstanding teams from foundation squads through to the elite Super League team. Let’s look forward to a bright future on and off the field in the coming season.”

SRD Foundation equality and diversity lead, Craig Fisher, added: “The launch, squad announcement and subsequent training sessions for the new Salford Red Devils Women’s Team has been a mammoth task to get off the ground. But from that we have assembled a squad loaded with quality players, all of whom are chomping at the bit to make our inaugural season a successful one.

“We have developed a strong team culture which has been led by our tremendous coaching team and in turn has permeated through to the playing group. The ladies are an absolute joy to work with, and are committed to making a lasting impression on the field as well as off it by empowering the next generation of female rugby league players in the Salford community.

“I sincerely look forward to the season starting and watching the players and team develop over the years to come. None of this would be possible without the tremendous amount of work being done to support this programme by the club and our hard working community foundation.

“This team is groundbreaking and is a perfect example of the direction the Salford Red Devils are going in to provide inclusive variants of rugby league to our community and further afield.”

See the full squad below:

Salford Red Devils Women’s team launched from 2022

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce the launch of a new Women’s open age team for the 2022 season.

The new open age team will be the pinnacle of the existing girl’s pathway that runs alongside the boys rising stars programme and will sit above the existing Dual development Academy based at Eccles Sixth Form College.

Salford Red Devils Foundation will be driving forward this exciting new venture with the full support of the club, who are excited to add a women’s team to their roster.

Salford Red Devils Foundation Director Neil Blackburn stated: “We have been developing our girls programme over the last couple of years to run alongside our rising stars programme and with our College Development academy being a dual pathway, now is the perfect time to launch our Women’s Team.

“We are extremely excited to be able to launch the first Salford Red Devils Women’s team that will now give the opportunity for women to represent Salford Red Devils at the highest level.”

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Marc Simon as the clubs first ever Women’s head coach. Marc has a wealth of experience, coaching rugby league for over 20 years and has been a prominent figure in the women’s game for the last decade.

During this time, Marc has coached at teams such as Widnes Vikings and Warrington Wolves and has been a key figure in the Development of the women’s game at both clubs. Marc has also been the head coach of Lancashire Women’s Team for the last 5 years and has had a great deal of success.

Speaking on his appointment, Marc Simon said: “I am looking forward to working with such a well-respected club, that not only has that family feel, but holds its fans in such high regard.

“I look forward to creating a club which drives women’s rugby within Salford forward and has a positive atmosphere that players will thrive in. I can’t wait to get started.”

Simon is wasting no time in getting started and will be holding 2 open training sessions/ trials for all women who wish to be part of the first ever women’s team at Salford Red Devils. These dates will be Monday 18th October and Wednesday 20th October.

Salford Red Devils Foundation head of equality and diversity Craig Fisher said: “I am delighted Marc has come on board, he brings a lot of experience and also tremendous enthusiasm which will see him do well in the role.

“When you read his CV with all the coaching he has done over the past 20 years, Marc seems the perfect person to lead our first ever Women’s team at Salford Red Devils.”

Salford Red Devils director of rugby and operations Ian Blease added: “The Foundation have done a brilliant job on this one in providing an opportunity for women in Salford to play rugby league at the highest level.

“Marc Simon has played a pivotal role in driving the women’s game forward over recent years and he is a brilliant appointment for us. I’m looking forward to watching how our first ever Women’s team will progress from 2022.”

You can register your interest in playing for the first Salford Red Devils Women’s team, HERE.

Equally, if you would like to be involved in a non-playing capacity, please register HERE. 

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