NEW Barrow Raiders Ladies Under-19s coach Jodie Litherland is hoping to help to find future stars.

The former Ladies captain, who announced her retirement at the end of the 2024 campaign, believes the talent is out there and is eager to help the club provide more opportunities for youngsters coming through the ranks.

Speaking to the club’s official website she said: “I believe we can find future England stars in this area, so if there are any young girls wanting to be a part of the trials, get down and get involved.”

The club is holding trials for the newly-formed under 19s side at the Northern Competitions Stadium this Sunday.

Any players wishing to take part in the trials can register via the club’s website.

Litherland has already played a key role in Raiders Ladies’ history, playing in every one of the 62 games since the town’s female rugby league team moved under the Raiders banner.

She also captained the side to promotion to Group 1 of the Betfred Women’s Super League in 2023.

Last season was an historic one as Raiders finished fifth in their very first season in the highest tier of women’s rugby league.

And having finished on a high as a player, Litherland is now looking forward to the transition to coach.

She added: “I’m excited to give this a shot after announcing my retirement at the end of last season.

“I do feel that this is the right next step for me, as I’ve felt slightly lost over these last few months, knowing I wouldn’t be playing in 2025.

“Having an Under-19s team is a vital step for us as a club to meet the standards in the women’s game and nurture the talent into the first team, and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.

“I’m excited to work with the girls and hopefully, through my time and knowledge as a player, I can inspire them and work on developing the right attributes to make the step up.”

As part of their continued attempts to strengthen the female pathway across the area, Raiders will also be running age group teams next season at U15 and U16 level.

The teams will form part of the RFL’s elite P2P programme, which has been adopted by all Women’s Super League clubs to grow participation within the sport.

Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “I’m really excited to have Jodie stepping up as head coach for the Under 19s following her retirement.

“She was a hugely inspirational player and an influential leader, both of which are great qualities to take into coaching.”