In massively exciting news for women’s sport, Bradford Bulls have announced the launch of the Bradford Bulls Women’s team. Provident Financial, the main sponsor for the Bulls, will also be the main sponsor of the Women’s team. Initially for one year, this will see the team wear the same kit as the men.
The team will play a number of its games at the Provident Stadium, and will assist the club with its community outreach programme.
Paul Mitchell, Sponsorship Manager for Provident, said: “Rugby league is not just for men and boys. It’s a family sport, with a substantial following of women and girls amongst the Super League and Championship fan base.
“As the first full time professional club to have a Women’s team affiliated to it, the Bulls are setting the standard for clubs, by diversifying engagement and participation in this great sport.
“As a company proud to be both the main sponsor of the Bulls, as well as supporting the Bulls Community Foundation, Provident is delighted to be part of something we hope catches on at other professional clubs.”
“I’m really excited about being a part of the Bradford Bulls family. We are going to see a new input from the club and hopefully, as a result, we can prosper,” said Mark Prescott, Head Coach of Bradford Bulls Women.
“I’m delighted with the opportunity now provided by the Bulls and Provident and hopefully it can take us forward as a club.
“We’ve got a very exciting squad and the great thing is, it’s growing. We are recruiting from the younger age group now.
“We have a number of players who’ve represented their country. Five of the team went to France to represent England last year. In addition, five or six others have represented England in the past with a few having played in World Cups as well.
“There are a few 16 and 17-year-olds in the ranks and we have a wealth of experience within team, especially from the England internationals which really helps the younger girls.
“We’ve got a good squad of players and we are hoping we can push on and win trophies.”
Bradford Bulls Chairman, Marc Green said: “We are delighted to become the first full-time professional club to support and endorse Women in rugby league. We hope this will set our sport on the successful pathway of other female team sports, such as; football, cricket and rugby union.”
Report courtesy of Bradford Bulls
