FOREWORD

I am chuffed to bits to post this news that West Park Leeds Ladies have confirmed their intention to bid for a place in next season’s Premier 15s, I cannot think of a more deserving club. WPL Ladies have a fantastic attitude to their rugby both on and off the pitch and are one of a handful of clubs outside the Premier15s who do. As much as the whole system might require serious debate, we are where we are and if you want to play top flight and give your young girls a genuine chance of getting in and mongst those #redrose places … this is how it has to be done. I genuinely wish West Park Leeds Ladies the very best of luck with this bid and I just hope they don’t forget us once they’re big timing it! – Max

WEST PARK LADIES CHASE THEIR DREAM – by Kira Drabble

Following weeks of discussion and work behind the scenes, our Ladies squad are delighted to announce that they will be submitting a bid to the RFU to compete in the the Tyrrell’s Premiership from next season.

The Ladies 1st XV are the most successful team outside of the current Premiership, having finished top of the Championship North for the last 2 years and on course to make that 3 titles in a row this season, and making the step up to the highest level has been a long term ambition.

With a new coaching team in place from this season, there is no doubting the ladies ability or commitment to compete in the Premiership, however as there is no automatic promotion / relegation in place between the top leagues, we must go through the full RFU minimum standards process (akin to the Mens Championship) in order to be considered and have a short window of opportunity to do so. The standards include such things as medical provision, player development plans, ground facilitate and last but not least financial health and investment.

We are confident that we can do this and although at times it feels like we have an off field mountain to climb, the support from the Committee and wider is invaluable and we will be working around the clock between now and the End January 2020 to complete our bid. We know we will be competing for places amongst names such as Exeter Chiefs, but we have much in our favour. If successful, we will be ‘locked in’ to the Premiership for a minimum of 3 years which will be so inspirational for our talented younger players currently in the U15s and U18s who will have a direct pathway to the top and not have to leave the club to achieve their ambitions.

Everyone can play their part , if you have never seen the ladies play, please do consider coming down to give your support – we have a tasty home fixture coming up on Saturday 14 December against our closest rivals Harrogate and we would love to see you there, or at any future game. Please talk about us, please spread the word on social media #prembid2020 and do keep checking back for updates!
We are seeking substantial financial investors who, if we are successful, will be rewarded with substantial TV and wider media coverage.

If you can help or know someone who might be interested, please get in touch at [email protected] or speak to Club Chairman Graham Chadwick