IN a groundbreaking move for women’s and girls rugby league in the local area, Silsden Storm and Keighley Cougars have joined forces to establish a girls’ team, marking a significant step forward in the development of the sport in the region.

This merger not only expands opportunities for female players but also fosters a sense of unity and community within the local rugby league scene.

Silsden Park, nestled in the heart of Silsden, takes centre stage as the main training base for the newly formed team. Its lush green fields provide the perfect backdrop for honing skills and fostering camaraderie among players. However, the aspirations of the team extend beyond training grounds; they aim to grace the hallowed turf of Cougar Park, the esteemed home ground of Keighley Cougars, for all their girls’ and women’s team matches.

As part of this collaboration, Keighley Cougars will be supplying teamwear to all players, ensuring that they sport the iconic Cougar kit on game days. This not only aligns the girls’ team with the esteemed legacy of the Cougars but also instils a sense of pride and belonging among the players. The unified design across all age groups echoes the solidarity and shared vision of the two clubs.

To introduce the newly formed team to the community, taster sessions will be held in the near future, with Cougar Park serving as the venue for potential open days and stalls. This outreach effort aims to attract talent from a wide age range, spanning from 11-year-olds to open age players, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the team.

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Furthermore, the collaboration extends beyond player recruitment and training sessions. The girls’ team aspires to take the field as curtain raisers in select Keighley Cougars games in the future, providing an exciting prelude to the main event while showcasing the burgeoning talent within the community.

In the realm of digital presence, social media will play a pivotal role in rebranding Silsden Stormettes as Keighley Cougar Girls. This revamped identity not only reflects the amalgamation of the two clubs but also signifies a new era of women’s rugby league in the region.

Looking ahead, the aspirations of the team are ambitious yet attainable. By 2025, the aim is to enter a women’s team into the League One system, solidifying their presence in the competitive landscape of rugby league. This strategic progression underscores the long-term commitment of both Silsden Storm and Keighley Cougars to the development and advancement of women’s rugby league, laying the foundation for a legacy that transcends generations.