Ahead of the 2022 Betfred Women’s Super League season, we caught up with recently-appointed Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson.
Born in Barrow, Wilkinson has been tasked with leading the club into its inaugural season in the Women’s Super League after it was announced in November that the Raiders would make the step up to a 12-team top division.
Wilkinson’s side will be joined in Group 2 of the competition by Leigh Miners, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves.
Barrow Raiders Ladies recently returned to pre-season training as they ramp up preparations ahead of the new season.
Our @BarrowLadies side began their pre-season training last week! 🔵⚪️
— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) January 12, 2022
Wilkinson, who boasts a wide range of coaching experience on her CV, says she has thoroughly enjoyed her return to Cumbria so far.
“It’s been great to get started, and I’m loving coaching at Craven Park,” she said.
“The ladies have really impressed me with their positive attitude and their desire and want to learn.
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“Pre-season is always a tough time for players following the Christmas break, but we have not held back as coaches, we have hit the ground running. We are looking to keep the intensity and commitment throughout the cold months of January and February.
“I personally love pre-season. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the players and staff, and provides plenty of time to prepare for the season ahead.”
It promises to be an exciting season for the Raiders Ladies, but Wilkinson admits there will be plenty of challenges that the squad face head-on over the coming months.
“It is going to be a very challenging season,” she added. “It’s a big step from Championship to Super League.
“But I believe we have planned well, and we’ll make sure the ladies are prepared and the best they can be for their first game.”
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Discussing the playing group, she said: “The new players have soon blended amongst the squad.
“The Barrow Ladies squad consists of good people as well as good players, and the respect and camaraderie amongst old and new players has been spot on.
“I have been more than impressed with the new players; they are all individually different and bring something different to the squad, so I’m really enjoying working with them all.”
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