Archbishop Sentamu Academy (Hull) crowned Year 10 Girls’ Champions at AMT Headingley

Archbishop Sentamu Academy (Hull) made history on Sunday (15 June) following their Year 10 Girls’ victory in the inspiresport RFL Champion Schools Final at AMT Headingley Stadium. 

The event was part of a historic triple header of Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League with Leeds Rhinos also taking on Warrington Wolves in both the U19s and Betfred Women’s Super League on Sunday. 

Following impressive displays in the regional and national qualifiers, Archbishop Sentamu faced The Deanery (Wigan) in the showpiece event with both teams unbeaten during the national festival earlier this year. 

ASA took an early lead and maintained their command going into the break with good flowing rugby and tough defence on show from both teams. The Hull school continued their outstanding form throughout and eventually ran out 28-16 winners. 

M. Warner (ASA) was awarded Player of the Match for setting up several of the ASA tries with some neat scrum half play putting her centre and second row partners into clear space – the action didn’t stop there for Warner, with the young talent also kicking all her team’s goals.  

Champion Schools is the RFL’s flagship schools competition, involving local and regional stages, then national competitions for girls and boys at years 7-11. The girls’ competition began in 2004 and has grown incrementally, making Champion Schools the largest Rugby League competition in the world.

RFL National Education Manager, Andrea Murray, said: 

“Congratulations to both teams on their performance on Sunday, it was remarkable seeing the next generation of Women’s players take to the pitch in such an iconic venue. A huge thanks must also go to AMT Headingley Stadium for hosting us and making both teams feel so welcome for the historic occasion.” 

The inspiresport Champion Schools Finals Day will take place at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Wednesday 2 July with full fixtures and KO times to be confirmed over the coming weeks. 

This week also marks 30 years of the Youth Sport Trust and National School Sports Week – this year they are calling on schools, families and organisations to get involved, host the UK’s biggest ever Sports Day, and champion 60 minutes of PE, sport and play every day to help all young people be Always Active. 

For more information and to sign up to take part please visit: National School Sports Week - Youth Sport Trust.

inspiresport Champion Schools Finals Day - DIY Kitchens Stadium, Wednesday 2 July 

Year 7 Girls’ 

Archbishop Sentamu Academy (Hull) v Airedale Academy (Wakefield) 

Year 8 Girls’ 

St Bede’s & St Joseph’s (Bradford) v Archbishop Sentamu Academy (Hull) 

Year 9 Girls’ 

Bedford High School (Leigh) v Archbishop Sentamu Academy (Hull) 

*KO times will be confirmed nearer to the event with all Boy’s finalists confirmed over the coming weeks