Roughyeds announce new women's team

Oldham RLFC have confirmed the launch of the club's new women's team, with Ben Marsden named as head coach.

Marsden will work alongside team manager Natalie Howarth, with interested players invited to attend the first open training session at Netpar Training Centre on Saturday, August 30th at 10am.

"There is so much talent in Oldham," Marsden told Roughyeds TV.

"It has been brilliant to see this transformation for the club.

"The men's team is growing, the club is pushing for Super League so now we want a pathway for the women to be in a competitive league as well.

"It gives a focus for the women to aim for a professional club, and women's sport is really on the up and shining at the moment."

Howarth is already a familiar face at the club, and hopes to be able to build on the excellent work being undertaken with Oldham's rapidly expanding pathway system, which recently appointed Callum Irving as technical advisor. 

"There are successful under 13 and 14s girls teams in Oldham and we want to build that pathway from the grassroots to the professional game for them," said Howarth.

"We have an open training session on the 30th of August at Netpar Training Centre, starting at 10am.

"We are encouraging anyone interested in playing to come down - there is a registration link to fill in and we see where we go from there.

"Just come and get involved, we will answer your questions - we are all starting together so don't be scared to come down.

"Come and be part of Oldham, be part of our new women's team and be that inspiration for the young girls of Oldham.

"They need someone to look up to and it could be you."

Marsden has been involved in Oldham rugby and rugby league for years, playing and now in this new coaching role.

"There is real enthusiasm for women's sport and the buy-in is good so I am really proud to have been asked to get involved," he added

"Our ambition is to give opportunities to the women in this area and wider area.

"Currently if the women here want to play professional rugby they have to go further afield so we are losing talent.

"Ultimately we want the talent in Oldham to be playing for the local club, and playing competitively."

Boundary Park will also host a War of the Roses women's fixture between Lancashire and Yorkshire on October 18, with an under 13s curtain-raiser featuring Waterhead girls.

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