The triumphant York Valkyrie were cheered across the city this evening as they were honoured for their outstanding season.
Players and coaching staff paraded their Super League Trophy around York on an open top bus before heading to the Mansion House for a civic reception.
York Valkyrie became the first side to retain the Women’s Super League title in the Grand Final last month.
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York RLFC chairman Clint Goodchild heaped praise on the team. “I’m just really happy for the Valkyrie. They’re an incredible group of women. And this is probably the last celebration before pre season starts.
So it’s almost the final farewell to what was a challenging and successful year.”
What did he put their success down to?
“I put it down to the coaching staff and the mindset of the players. To be honest with you, there were so many obstacles, so many injuries, so many setbacks, but they just looked at it as opportunity.
“And when you have a young team that you know has that sort of attitude, there’s not a lot they can’t achieve if they work as a collective and I’m very proud of them.”
Clint was delighted by tonight’s reception. “York does this better than just about anywhere, don’t they? Any excuse for a party, York seems to get on board. And you know, this is a good one.”
And what next for York Valkyrie? “You want to try and win the treble. You don’t want to become complacent.
“We know that that’s a big ask. As the women’s game grows stronger, it’s going to get harder and harder, so we just have to get better and better.”
After the reception the party was due to continue at the Hooting Owl Distillery on Rougier Street.