Scarborough’s England star Zoe Aldcroft inspires the next generation of local players

England star Zoe Aldcroft inspires the next generation of Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC players.England star Zoe Aldcroft inspires the next generation of Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC players.
England star Zoe Aldcroft inspires the next generation of Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC players.
​​On Friday evening Scarborough’s Red Roses rugby star Zoe Aldcroft was at Silver Royd to meet and inspire the next generation of young players.

After a whirlwind full day of visiting local schools and colleges Zoe made her final appointment of the day with boys and girls from Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC who had gathered in the clubhouse to meet their sporting hero.

In the opening informal session Zoe answered an avalanche of questions from the eager young players covering a wide range of subjects including her rugby journey from Scarborough Mini Rugby to England Red Roses stardom and what was her favourite meal before an important match?

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After signing autographs and posing for selfies the evening continued in the sports hall at Barons Fitness where all the young players changed into their playing kit to be put through their paces, Zoe leading the hour-long skills session focusing on ball handling and spatial awareness skills.

Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC rising stars met Zoe Aldcroft at Silver Royd on Friday evening.Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC rising stars met Zoe Aldcroft at Silver Royd on Friday evening.
Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC rising stars met Zoe Aldcroft at Silver Royd on Friday evening.

Zoe, who currently plays for Gloucester Hartpury in the Women’s Premiership, is performing an ambassadorial role for the Red Roses as they build towards the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

This will be held in England starting on August 22 when the Red Roses take on the USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

The final takes place five weeks later, on September 27 at Twickenham Stadium.

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Having already won 58 international caps, last week Zoe was named in the World Rugby Women 15s Dream Team of the Year 2024. This rounds off another exceptional year where she was part of the Six Nations winning Red Roses squad and the Championship-winning Gloucester Hartpury side which also featured Steph Else, another former Scarborough Mini Rugby player, and Tatyana Heard, from Malton.

Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC rising stars met Zoe Aldcroft at Silver Royd on Friday evening.Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC rising stars met Zoe Aldcroft at Silver Royd on Friday evening.
Scarborough RUFC and Malton & Norton RUFC rising stars met Zoe Aldcroft at Silver Royd on Friday evening.

Tim Drake, Director of Girls Rugby at Scarborough RUFC, said, “It was a very memorable evening for everyone who was there. Zoe is such a fantastic role model to all the young players, just so calm and relaxed and smiling, answering every question, and signing every ball and shirt the players could find.

"We wish Zoe and the rest of the Red Roses all the very best for the World Cup.”

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