The Lionesses gathered at King's Church together with their coaches and parents to celebrate all that had been achieved during the season just gone. There was much to celebrate as the Under 14s had won their waterfall league and the under 16s, are showing real potential after starting the year low on numbers.

This means that there is much to be looked forward to in all three age groups as the girls move up to the next squad in the coming season. The stated club objective of relaunching the women's team for the 2025-26 season is certainly a realistic prospect at this stage.

One inspiration in all this is Zara Green, whose pathway from Lewes via Harlequins to the England Under 18 is a momentous achievement both for her and the club. She was able to share with the girls what her rugby journey has been like, and her words were warmly appreciated.

Then it was time to recognise the achievements of the current Lionesses, and as each coach spoke about their squad, it was quickly appreciated what a wonderful group of players we have, which made it very difficult for them to select the winners from such a strong field.

These, then, were the winners in each age section:

Under 14s
Players' Player of the Season: Eleanor Woods
Most improved Player: Molly Sudan
Player of the Season: Edith Redshaw

Under 16s
Players' Player of the Season: Amelia Stevens
Most improved Player: Lilia Edwards
Player of the Season: Katie Williams

Under 18s
Players' Player of the Season: Zoe Whittington
Most improved Player: Imogen Hemsley
Player of the Season: Isabel Welby

Congratulations to all the players as well as those who won awards, but also to the coaches for their efforts through the season!