Hornets wheelchair team: 2024 end of season report

The 2024 season has now come to an end, and what a season it has been.

Our squad has expanded and continues to grow, with new players joining us. 

The season has seen us travel around country. We had pre-season games away in York, Bradford and Wigan, and hosted our good friends over at Salford.

We took part in the Championship Trophy tournament in Manchester back in April, losing out to eventual champions Edinburgh Giants. We have travelled to Hereford, North Wales, Widnes and Warrington for league games and come away with important and impressive wins, and welcomed many great players to our home ground at Cardinal Langley RC High School.

Securing a strong mid-table finish and only just missing out on the play-offs will no doubt push the squad to work even harder and go one better next season.

Two of our squad, club captain Martin Dougan and Callum Young, also got selected to represent Scotland at international level, as well as head coach Pete Hird still being involved in the national programme with Scotland.

Finn Hird, one of our young players, was also invited to try out for England at junior level this Autumn, and Angela Groot-Holt was also invited to try out for England in the women’s squad.

We also have Dutch international representation with Wes Groot, self-proclaimed Dutch national team captain (he’s the only Dutch player we can find!).

We have done well at gaining international recognition over this season, and there’s been a lot of fun and hard work along the way.

A big thank you to all who support us. We look forward to seeing you again next season.

Pete Hird
Rochdale Hornets wheelchair team head coach