WOMEN’S rugby league is being resurrected in the Furness area.

The women’s game locally really blossomed in the 1990s when several outstanding players were produced and many went on to win GB international honours.

Interest in the sport has fizzled in recent years, but a dedicated group of volunteers – backed by Barrow Island RL members – are now looking to put that right.

They are well on their way to forming a new club – Barrow Ladies RLFC – and held their first training session at Island’s Rating Lane home under floodlights last week.

One of the founders of the club is Jenny Doherty. She moved to the area recently and was surprised to discover there was no dedicated women’s rugby league team in what is traditionally a hot-bed for the 13-a-side code.

Originally from Coventry and with a background in union rather than league, Jenny has helped set up teams in various places she has lived around Britain due to her husband Darren’s work with the Royal Navy.

“When I arrived here and discovered there wasn’t a ladies rugby team I thought something needed to be done,” said Jenny.

“We put out an appeal to set up a women’s team and we have had an absolutely fantastic response to it.”

After putting feelers out to gauge interest in the idea of forming a women’s team, Jenny and fellow organizers quickly got to work, setting up a committee and holding an initial training session, and they are hoping to arrange some friendly matches soon.

Her aim is to establish women’s and girls’ teams in the area, with a start at the top and work downwards approach.

“Our plan is to start a ladies team this year and then back-fill the age groups to enable females to continue playing after under-12s,” she said.

“There was a massive uproar in the area with regards to the RFL rules about no mixed gender teams after the age of 10. The RFL have now upped the ages to under-12 for mixed gender due to an appeal and petition.”

Helping out with coaching the squad is Barrow Island’s John Johnson, while Emily Stirzaker is team manager. Craig Richardson, a personal trainer at Barrow’s DW Fitness, will help with strength and conditioning, and Amanda Shepherd is the secretary.

“We have tried to spread the roles out because we don’t want people taking too much on,” said Jenny.

“We want the ladies to enjoy it and we thought if we are going to do something, we might as well do it right.

“We have kit in place as well as some of the paperwork well on its way, with friendlies planned too.

“We now need to spread the word and gather as much interest as possible to get this off the ground.

“From feedback gathered the previous ladies team didn’t work out due to lack of support and no club backing. But we now have a full committee and a coach so we are on our way.”

l Barrow Ladies are appealing for help with sponsors and anyone interested in signing up or wanting more information can contact Jenny Doherty on 07881 303907.