DARLINGTON MOWDON
PARK
DARLINGTON MOWDON
Women’s rugby is on a real high at the moment after the World Cup win and one of the
club’s to have provided players for the England Squad was Darlington Mowden Park. Club
Representative Zoe Tickner took the time to tell us more about their set-up.
Involvement
She told us, “I've been involved
in women and girls rugby for the
last 20 years, playing at all levels
from youth to premiership. I got
involved with the Sharks team for
about 7 years.
Moving from being a player to team
manager was quite a challenge, I'd
say the most challenging aspect is
trying to organise the team, as the
girls are spread all over the area,
from Newcastle to Leeds and
even the Lake District. That and
the amount of travel we do to play
in the women's premiership are
the biggest challenges. The most
rewarding aspect is seeing players
develop not only their skills but
confidence as they train and play.”
Atmosphere
“The mood at the club is exciting at
the moment; there are lots of things
going on. We were very excited to
have the World Cup at the club last
week, with a big presentation for
Katy and Tamara, it was great to
see all levels of the club involved
from minis, juniors, the girls and
women's to the men's team.”
The World Cup
“I'm so happy for all the England
team both on and off the field.
They have worked very hard over
the last few years. I was very
proud when they finally got the
win they deserved after previous
disappointment. Watching Katy
and Tamara playing in the final
and getting to lift the trophy was
amazing. I think winning the World
Cup will not only help promote
the clubs profile but help develop
a lasting legacy to get more
people involved in rugby, not just
players but also new supporters or
volunteers.”
Youth Development
“I think the transition from youth to
adult rugby can always be difficult,
but working well together across
the sections is always needed and
sometimes not easy to get right. It
can be a very daunting process for
a young player to step up, I think
reassurance is key, as we have
players who range from brand new
to the sport to the England captain
there is always a place for people
to fit in.”
Community
“I'd say after the move to our new
ground last year to the Darlington
Mowden Park Arena, that the club
now more than ever is a big part
of the community. There is a lot of
activities not just rugby to help build
DMP in to the heart of the local
community.”
Challenges
“I think a big challenge to the club
will be how to continue the good
work and legacy of the women's
World Cup. I'm also very excited
that the club has been selected to
host the New Zealand squad for
the WC next year that's going to be
great for the whole club and local
community.”
Ambitions
“The club is very ambitious at all
levels, the Sharks ambitions are to
increase the profile of the women's
premiership group, and I'd love to
get another top 3 finish. The men's
first XV, I'd like to see flourish in
their new promotion and push
forward through the leagues. The
youth side to continue with the
growth and success it has had after
last season. Club wise, it would be
great to see more high level national
and international rugby brought to
the north and to make DMP arena
the home for rugby in the North.”
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