Leeds Trinity alumnus Conor Meese, England Programmes Operations Manager at the Rugby Football League (RFL), manages the initiative as part of the RFL’s government-funded Diploma in Sporting Excellence programme – the talent pathway for 16 to 18-year-olds hoping to perform at the highest level of the women’s game.

Conor was joined by fellow Leeds Trinity alumnus Mark Dolby, who is a professional photographer, Leeds Trinity University Sports Journalism student, Samuel Wright, and Brett Arnall, Alumni Relations Officer, who also delivered sessions on how to utilise social media platforms, photography, and how to handle engagement online.

The sportswomen were then given training on how to manage an interview situation and took part in mock interviews, hosted by Mark and Brett, before getting more tips from Samuel.

Samuel, who is also Media Assistant at Bradford City Football Club, said: “This was a great professional experience for me and inspirational to be able to work alongside two very talented Leeds Trinity alumni.

“I loved the opportunity to deliver a session for a young and enthusiastic group who are breaking through in their industry. It was nice to see some of the skills and tips I went through in my talk being put into practice during the mock interviews the players all did afterwards. I was also able to speak to all the players after their interviews and talk through what went well and how they may improve in the future.”

Brett Arnall, Alumni Relations Officer at Leeds Trinity, said: “Everything about the session epitomised the wonderful community spirit at Leeds Trinity.

“Conor is an exceptional graduate who has given us incredible support over the years, so as well as interviewing him at the training camp it was great to give him something back as a thank you. Mark is another graduate who gives so much back to Leeds Trinity, and he was only too happy to offer his time after the filming to give a talk and also film all the mock interviews. Sam is a fantastic student, who despite only being a second year, has a brilliant portfolio of professional experience and this really showed during his talk.

“Overall, it was a great opportunity to showcase what an outstanding place Leeds Trinity is with a large number of students and graduates who have been supported by the talented athlete support programme.”

Leeds Trinity University offers a Talented Athlete Support Package to help athletes competing at a high level in their sport to manage their studies and their sports careers. The athletes are able to access additional support including to the University Strength and Conditioning Suite, tailored sport science testing and support, and learning and teaching support to manage training, competing and completing their studies.

Read more about Sport and Fitness at Leeds Trinity University on the website.