CITY of Derry women’s rugby coach Amelia McFarland’s enthusiasm for the game is obvious from first point of contact. Likewise her positive attitude and determination to steer the women’s club through uncertain times.
The club are navigating what Amelia calls a ‘transitionary period’ with new, young players coming through to the senior side, replacing experienced ones who have moved on.
Consequently they finished bottom of the Ulster Premiership last season, leaving them unsure where they will start the new season in a few weeks time.
“We are no different to other clubs in experiencing a turnover of players for a variety of reasons… university and career moves, marriage, starting families,” Amelia accepts.
“Even then, there is a positive side to losing players who go off to College. It offers them a fantastic opportunity to get to play with other teams, experience different styles, meet new people and come back better for it.
“Fortunately we have a very good and strong under 16 set-up that will provide the basis of future senior sides. But until that happens we will carry on as best we can.
“We’re still in pre-season and waiting to hear if we will retain our Premiership status. We are hopeful of that with no indication, as yet, of any club showing interest in coming up from the Championship to replace us.
“Either way, we will meet whatever challenge is presented to us.”
As well as their seniors, City of Derry field under 16 and under 14 sides who compete against local rivals like Limavady, Inishowen and Letterkenny in blitz tournaments.
Women’s rugby has become well established over the past decade at the famous old club, founded in 1881.
Coach Amelia has been in position since 2019, having taken up residence in neighbouring Donegal two years earlier after a career in the horse racing industry and having previously played rugby for City of Derry and top Dublin club, Blackrock, as a winger.
“It was a natural move for me,” Amelia relates. “My grandparents are from Donegal and my grandfather had been involved with City of Derry.
“So, when I was looking for a sporting outlet to keep me fit and active, it was the obvious place to go.
“Collectively, we have a great bunch of girls here. After a while, they become family.
“I would say to any girls who are looking to try something new and keep them exercised, come and join us. You will meet some amazing people.
“We are well looked after by the parent club, training and playing on the Judge Road pitch and having our own changing room facilities.
“We are fortunate also to have a very supportive committee who listen to us and do their best to help us grow.”
With Amelia at the coaching helm and those underage structures in place, City of Derry women can look to the future with confidence. Quite literally, the only way is up.
And those young players coming through only need to look to their coach for motivation.
“I love everything about the coaching role,” Amelia insists. “It is so uplifting. If you are having a difficult day, for example, you only have to look at the girls in training, trying something new or seeing moves come together to realise why you do it. It is so rewarding.”
