Tackle Her Way: Souths Cares Launches First-Ever Girls Tackle Clinic
The Souths Cares team proudly delivered the very first Tackle Her Way Clinic, marking an exciting new chapter in our commitment to growing the women’s game and creating inclusive opportunities for girls in rugby league.
Held in collaboration with our NRL Game Development Officers, the clinic was designed as a girls-only tackle technique session, providing participants with a safe, supportive and high-energy environment to build their skills and confidence. Bringing together the expertise of Souths Cares and the NRL Game Development team ensured the session was structured, engaging and aligned with best-practice coaching principles.
A standout feature of the clinic was the coaching line-up, with two highly experienced WNRL players leading the session, supported by two Rabbitohs Tarsha Gale players. Their leadership, experience and passion for the women’s game created an inspiring and empowering environment for all participants, while reinforcing the strength of the female pathway within rugby league.
Participants of all experience levels took part, from girls new to rugby league to those already competing in local competitions. The session focused on progressive skill development, breaking down safe and effective tackle technique step by step. Players built confidence in contact situations, refined their body positioning and strengthened their communication on the field.
Erin Geddes, Health and Wellbeing Programs Coordinator“We know there is still more work to be done to create equal access and strong development pathways for girls in rugby league. Tackle Her Way was designed to remove barriers and create a space where girls feel supported to learn, grow and build confidence in contact skills. At a time when we are seeing youth physical activity levels decline and the long-term health impacts that can create, initiatives like this are critical in keeping young people engaged, active and connected through sport.”
The impact of the clinic was best reflected in the feedback from those involved. Mila, a participant, shared,
Mila, Tackle Her Way Participant“It was really good, helped continue to build my skills and improve my tackling technique. Learned new drills and met new people, while having lots of fun.”
The success of this inaugural Tackle Her Way Clinic highlights the growing demand for female-focused development opportunities in rugby league and reinforces Souths Cares’ ongoing commitment to participation, inclusion and wellbeing.
Parents were equally supportive of the initiative. Nat, whose daughters attended the clinic, said, “I registered the girls as it was another great initiative from Souths Cares to continue their development in Rugby League. Tackling is an area both girls have said they want to continue to learn new skills and build their confidence. Tackle Her Way was a great opportunity to do so and to do with friends while meeting new people.”
Souths Cares continues to invest in pathways for female athletes through our Play Her Way program, which is currently recruiting for the Under 11 squad (girls born in 2015 and 2016 eligible). This ten-week training program is designed specifically for female athletes engaged in rugby league, providing structured skill development, confidence building and a supportive team environment.
Training starts Thursday 5th February.
To register visit here .
If your daughter is ready to take the next step in her rugby league journey, we encourage families to get involved and be part of the growing movement supporting girls in the game.
