We are pleased to confirm that Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson has accepted an exciting new role within the Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation.
As our newly-appointed head of rugby and club performance, the position will see Wilkinson given the remit of improving the whole club, with particular focus on growing the women’s game.
She has experience of working in a Foundation setting at both Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, and we are confident that her knowledge can help take our community work to another level.
Appointed head coach of Barrow Ladies in November 2021, Wilkinson has spearheaded the club’s rise to the top table of the women’s game.
Earning promotion to the Betfred Women’s Super League via the play-offs in 2023, she then oversaw an incredible debut campaign in the division.
The Raiders Ladies secured a fifth-placed finish in 2024 and found themselves competing well against sides boasting far greater resources.
Wilkinson’s new role at the club will coincide with her current commitments within the Barrow Ladies first team.
News of Wilkinson’s new role was first announced to supporters after Saturday’s game against Wigan Warriors – a fixture dedicated to the success and growth of the women’s game at the club.
“I’m looking forward to being able to get stuck into it,” she said.
“I believe we have lots of potential at this club. Since coming here four years ago, I have been impressed by the talent in the area.
“I can’t wait to get my teeth into the role and be able to work on our various women’s programmes, getting out into community clubs and start supporting the amateur game to make sure that we maintain an active pathway into the Barrow Ladies first team.
“Over the time I’ve been here, I’ve recognised the great work being done, but now it’s about steering it all into the right direction and being able to support the people out there in the community.
“We want to make sure that these young players are being developed by the growth of the game in the area and that we can transition them from one age group to another.
“It’s important that we keep growing crowds for the first team. We should be proud to have a Women’s Super League team in Barrow, and we need to make sure that we engage with more people from across the area and make them part of this great club, especially in terms of the women’s game.”
Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “Since joining the club, Amanda has taken the lead on a number of changes for the better – not just limited to the first team.
“Growing numbers of young athletes across the region are starting to pick up a rugby league ball, and that can only be a positive thing in the years ahead.
“Several players have already demonstrated the route through to the first team with dedication and hard work, and I’m confident that with Amanda’s ongoing commitment to the club, there will be many more to come.
“Amanda also understands the importance of financial stability and has a track record of growing income streams at her former clubs.
“With increased participation and supporters comes increased commercial deals which will benefit the whole club, including the women’s, men’s and pathway teams.”
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