A TALENTED rugby league player and former student Charlotte Hill has thanked Warrington and Vale Royal College for its part in helping her to secure a spot in St Helens RFC’s women’s Super League team.
Charlotte is making history with Saints Women, having debuted in their 40-0 win over York City Knights.
The 18-year-old, from Newton-le-Willows, completed the level 3 rugby league course at the college, run in partnership with Warrington Wolves.
Charlotte said: “It feels really good to be a part of the Saints team. I feel proud that as a woman in sport, I’ve got this far and at quite a young age. I definitely wouldn’t want to be at any other team. It’s a lot of commitment but it’s worth it on game day when you’re selected and you’re on the field with your teammates. Sometimes it’s mentally tough, but I love it.”
Last year, former Great Sankey High School pupil Charlotte was selected for Lancashire’s Under 19s team – scoring a try in her debut game – after making a name for herself at Thatto Heath Crusaders.
Charlotte added: “I really do think that Warringtondand Vale Royal College has helped me massively, especially with the work on the course being so specific to rugby – that was really helpful and taught me lots of little things that I didn’t know. Being one of the only girls on the course also really helped as it pushed me to toughen up and gain confidence as well.”
Before enrolling at the college, Charlotte had stopped playing rugby but the course helped her to rediscover her passion.
She added: “I absolutely love playing rugby – it’s my life – and I got so many amazing opportunities through Warrington & Vale Royal College. I was one of two girls from the college who went for trials for England. I would never have had that opportunity if it wasn’t for the college.
“The college is also the reason I started playing at Thatto Heath Crusaders so without it, I might not have started back and wouldn’t be where I am now!”
