Jess Skinner blazes a trail for young women in football

Jessica Skinner and Ronny Gibbs. PHOTO TWH

Rugby League

Young athletes attending the Ronny Gibbs Sevens tournament and education sessions last week had the chance to learn from one of the icons of the game – Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner. Jess has been described as a rugby league trailblazer who she made history as the first female head coach of the Indigenous Women’s All Stars team.

What made her visit to Bourke for the Ronny Gibbs Sevens even more special was Jess’s deep connection to the Far West. She was born in Bourke, grew up in Trangie and has a first-hand appreciation of the opportunities - and challenges – faced by young athletes in the bush.

In fact, Jess’s first opportunity on her professional career path was with the Murdi Paaki Under 16 girls League team, which recruited players across Walgett, Collarrenabri, Goodooga and around the Far West.[…]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!