Eagles Make Two Major Announcements
21/12/2023
Sheffield Eagles have made two major announcements ahead of the 2024 women’s season starting, in a move which will see them financially reward players for on-field success and enter a dual registration partnership with Betfred Women’s Super League Champions York Valkyrie.
Following their League One winning debut season and an impressive year in the Championship, the Eagles aim to further build on their success and commitment to the growth of the women’s game.
The partnership with York will allow the Valkyrie’s squad players to gain valuable game time in the Women’s Championship with Sheffield, while the Eagles’ elite players will be given the opportunity to train with Lindsay Anfield’s side.
Meanwhile, Sheffield will move to financially reward its female players, joining York and other Betfred Women’s Super League clubs in backing the growth of the women’s game, with prospective players invited to attend an open trial on Wednesday 10th January at their Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park training ground.
In addition the Eagles will field two teams in 2024, with a second team playing in League 2, ensuring that players of all levels will have an opportunity to play Rugby League for the club, with interested players also invited to get in touch.
“Last year we set out our #OneClub approach with our women’s and wheelchair teams playing in the same kits and for the women playing their games at the Olympic Legacy Park Stadium” noted Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston.
“The team have had two years of success and because we can use the stadium for women’s games to generate additional revenue, we have been able to move forward in financially rewarding the women’s for their on-field success and commitment to the club.
“As we enter our 40th season as a club, its really exciting to be able to enter this partnership with York and would like to thank Lindsay and the team for their support as we look to progress the women’s team here in Sheffield.”
Anfield is equally enthusiastic about the partnership: “I’ve known Andrea Dobson, the Eagles Foundation’s Development Officer, for a long time, having played with each other since we were 18-years-old and now trying to progress the women’s game through developing our Clubs.
“In the Betfred Women’s Super League, you need a big squad but, due to the nature of the league, you can’t give everyone lots of game-time.
“In order to be able to allow players to put what they’re learning in training into practise, they need to play, so to be able to allow them that opportunity through dual registration is hugely beneficial.
“Sheffield has got a number of really talented players who want exposure to the training standards of a higher level. This dual registration agreement gives those players that opportunity to train alongside the best players in the country here at York.
“It’s also fantastic to see Sheffield move to financially reward their female players from next year as the women’s game continues to go from strength to strength.”
Details of the Sheffield Eagles Women’s Championship fixtures will be released in due course with entry to the games included for club season ticket holders. For information on purchasing 2024 Season Tickets please click here. https://sheffieldeagles.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/season_ticket_2024
To register your interest for the Sheffield Eagles Women’s Open Trial please contact andrea.dobson@eaglesfoundation.co.uk or call 07960 135699
