Since then, the Harlequin Ladies have gone from strength to strength, establishing a highly successful youth side, forming strong links with the main club and the local community and developing an enviable social calendar!

Within just five seasons, the Harlequin Ladies had reached the dizzying heights of Division 1. There have been many changes to the squad over the years, but with a number of new recruits and former youth team “graduates” joining the senior side, the team has strengthened its position in this league, finishing mid way in 2005/6 season. Another addition this season is a newly affiliated 2^nd team. Although the squad is not quite strong enough to support a 2^nd tem just yet it is the hope that by the end of the season the 2^nd team will be a mighty opposition.


The Youth Team:

The youth team was originally set up in 1998, with the late Sue Moloney taking the role of Youth Team Secretary and other senior team members playing key roles in setting up and training the team. With the support of local schools, the team quickly attracted nearly thirty players, all aged between 11 and 17 years and soon proved itself a force to be reckoned with in the Under-16s game.

Since then, the Youth Team has continued to go from strength-to-strength over the seasons, with such victories as winning the Inaugural Saracens Junior Girls Rugby Festival and the annual Camberley 10’s Tournament.

As well as proving themselves invaluable members of the senior squad, many youth team “graduates” have gone on to achieve major representational success at County, Regional and England level.

The Academy aims to run both U14 and U17 squads this season, and a number of fixtures have already been arranged.


Tours:

The Ladies have also worked hard to develop a strong social side to their game. In addition to regular socials, that have ranged from picnics at the Middlesex Sevens to pub crawls in Twickenham, each season is rounded off with tours for both senior and youth teams.

So far the Ladies have seen the sights of Dublin, Cork, Treviso, Amsterdam, Paris, Ghent and most recently Stockholm. They have also been known to return with silverware on several occasions. Not only have these tours provided the opportunity to meet and play against many new teams, they have also been an excellent way for new members to really get to know their team mates.


Funding:

At the heart of every Amateur sport, is the need for adequate funding. This year, Bitter & Twisted, the award winning beer from the Scottish microbrewery, Harviestoun has teamed up with the Harlequin Ladies Rugby Football Club to become the team’s official sponsor.

Any offer of sponsorship is always appreciated and no deal is too small. Contact us to find out what opportunities we can offer your business.


The Community:

The Ladies are also kept busy off the pitch, often in the support of local fundraising events. These have included the record breaking abseil off Twickenham Stadium for Cancer Research UK, and supporting the main club in their charity events.


Come and Meet Us

The Harlequin Ladies are always on the lookout for new players. Whether an old-hand or a complete novice, we look forward to hearing from you. Harlequin Ladies train on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.30pm to 9pm on the training ground of the NEC Harlequins in Roehampton Vale. 

Harlequin Ladies Youth Academy welcomes all girls aged 11-17 who are keen to play rugby. The Academy trains every Wednesday 6pm – 7pm at St Mary’s College, Teddington.


To find out more about us please contact us at: quinsladies@hotmail.com or through the NEC Harlequins Switchboard 0208 410 6000.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon