York Valkyrie have conquered Uganda and are now looking to kick on much closer to home.
Led by head coach Lindsay Anfield, members of the Women’s Super League side recently returned from an enlightening week-long trip to the East African nation. In a ground-breaking partnership to help develop Ugandan players and coaches, they held training sessions, ran school mini-tournaments, delivered a referee workshop, provided kit and equipment and attended national finals.
But now Valkyrie are back looking forward to another big date - a Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-final double-header on home turf. They take on Cardiff Demons on Sunday before York Knights - the Championship part-timers - face Super League Leigh Leopards in a twin bid for Wembley. It is an exciting time for York owner Clint Goodchild who has been delighted with how Valkyrie’s visit to Uganda panned out.
He said: “It’s impactful and probably as impactful for us as it is for them. Any time you can go on an adventure like that and try to contribute and grow what you love, it’s exciting. We’re incredibly proud of how it’s unfolding.
"The players came back and realised just how good they have it here. We find ourselves comparing the above so often but we don’t often compare to areas that are developing the game. It’s just re-enforced that we are on the right track.”
It is hoped Ugandan players could eventually feature for Valkyrie and Knights. Goodchild added: “That would be an incredible story. It’s about finding the right players, talent and, more importantly, people. There’s no lack of sports talent over there. It’s just a matter of does it make sense to do now? There’s certainly conversations going on. There’s been a few people who have said we should try and get certain girls here because they do have something.”
While Valkyrie are big favourites to progress on Sunday, Knights are up against it facing Leigh who have shone since being promoted from the Championship last year. Goodchild, who hopes to guide York into the top-flight, admitted: “I think they’re this year’s great story in Super League. It’s good to be able to host a team like that.
"It’s going to be a hell of a challenge. We’ll be playing a lot of youngsters and for a lot it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. But what an occasion. I think it’s the first time a Challenge Cup quarter-final double-header has ever occurred so that in itself is a celebration of the game, the club and the city of York.”
