Head of Youth appointed for Women’s and Girls Pathway

Wigan Warriors are delighted to announce the appointment of Genna Banks as Head of Youth Development for the Women & Girls pathway. 

The move is part of Wigan Warriors strategy to significantly develop the Women’s game and fully align positive long term opportunities for players.

Genna is an experienced coach and has been involved in the game for over 10 years and has been instrumental in developing the Women & Girls pathway.Having represented Lancashire as a player, and also playing for Leigh Miners Rangers for over 12-years, she has also held coaching roles.

Banks helped develop Leigh Miners Rangers into the biggest girls section in the Country, whilst coaching at the Club for seven years. She has also coached at the girls RFL North West talent hubs including current Women’s First Team players Lucy Johnson, Ellise Derbyshire, Emma Knowles, Grace Banks and Emma Welsford.

This new development will further continue the positive steps that have been taken to evolve the girls youth academy over the last 12 months and will give players a positive pathway in which they can fulfil their ambitions and develop into first team players.

Speaking on her new role, Genna Banks said: “I’ve been lucky to be involved with the girls Community game for a number of years now and I’ve seen the fantastic work done by the coaches in the academy already.

“I’m thrilled to be able to continue that work now with the Warriors and to have the opportunity to learn from coaches like Denis Betts.”

Chief Operating Officer, Wayne Joyce said: “The appointment of Genna represents another significant evolution in Wigan Warriors Women & Girls strategy. Our focus for 2024 is making sure we have the right structures, staff and resources in place so that we are building a robust pathway that will create outstanding performance & development opportunities. 

“Our plan isn’t short term, we are building a winning team but also creating the next generation of future stars. This is the next step in making sure that we have full alignment between development and performance pathways”