Wilberforce Student Daisy Ginger signs under 19 contract with Leeds Rhinos
For many being a pro in sport is something that begins with childhood. For Wilberforce student Daisy Ginger, it was a passion she didn’t know she had until year 10. When Rugby was given as an option for her GCSE PE. “I’d always grown up around Rugby.” she explains. “My mum watched it, and I had seen a few games, but I was never really interested. That all changed when I started playing it myself. I got a season pass not long after and haven’t missed a game since.”
Daisy joined Hull Kingston Rovers during her final two years at secondary school and continued to play for them when she enrolled at Wilberforce; a key reason why she chose to study at the College. “Being at Wilberforce worked around my training with Rovers. It gave me that balance. I feel like I’ve had the chance to get better because of how everything is structured with my timetable to allow for training.”
Her commitment paid off, after standing out to scouts at the college festival she was selected to attend a development camp with England DISE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) It was here she was encouraged to peruse the sport more seriously and was advised to consider stepping up to a super league team.
Daisy went onto mention that “If Rovers had been in the Super League, I would have stayed with them. But Leeds had the opportunity.” The decision wasn’t easy “I felt conflicted. Leeds is a long way from here, and it’s a big commitment. I spoke to my family. Specifically, my mum and they all encouraged me to go for it and I didn’t want to regret not trying.”
Now signed with Leeds Rhinos on a one year Under 19 contract, Daisy is embracing the challenge. With training three times a week Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays, her routine includes gym sessions, on field drills and workshops led by sport psychologists. “Rugby and College are two separate things for me. They don’t interfere with each other; I’ve found a good balance, and I can stay on top with both.”
Daisy explained how rugby and college complement each other, noting that her psychology classes enhance her understanding of what she experiences on the pitch
As her season kicks off again her training is intensifying but Daisy is ready and credits Wilberforce for helping her reach this level. “If I wasn’t at Wilberforce i wouldn’t be at Rhinos. Being at those college games made all the difference.”
Daisy’s final advice to future students is simple: ‘Take every opportunity you get while you’re here. Go for it — and remember, girls can play.’ As women’s sport continues to grow, Daisy is proud to be part of the movement shaping the future of the game.
