Heysham Atoms Ladies captain signs for Salford Red Devils

The captain of Heysham Atoms' ladies team has signed for Salford Red Devils.

Jadine McVernon has been a huge part of the Atoms' ladies team since their formation in 2022. 

“It is with a great deal of pride, tinged with a little sadness, that the Heysham Atoms can finally announce that their ladies captain - Jadine McVernon - has signed for Salford Red Devils," said a club spokesperson.

“Jadine captained the Atoms ladies in their inaugural league season, playing 11 out of 12 games played, scoring 2 tries, as well as picking up the player of the season award. 

“This inspirational leader also featured in the England Community Lions trials before finally being picked up in the off season by Salford Red Devils.

“This is a lesson to all aspiring youngsters as to what can be achieved by hard work and dedication to your chosen sport - Rugby league - and there is a genuine pathway to achieve success. 

“Jadine’s family and extended family are heavily steeped in Rugby league in general but Heysham Atoms in particular so it was no surprise that she was a born natural to the game.

“On behalf of the Heysham Atons family we would like to wish Jadine good luck with her new club and hope that success follows her in the new season.”

The ladies team's inaugural season last year saw them play 12 games.

McVernon, who was the team’s player of the season, told Beyond Radio last September the team had “progressed in a big way”.

“I can’t tell you enough how much I’ve enjoyed being captain of this team. 

“I grew up around the club and was involved but there wasn’t a ladies’ team, so to be captain in their first full season, to see us start to gel together and pick up those wins has been great.”

McVernon was given another great opportunity last year when she was selected for a development trial with the England Community Lions Women in June.

Despite not making the team for the tour, she said it was an “amazing experience” that she can “only take positives from”.

Salford Red Devils will compete in the Northern Women’s Championship during the 2024 season, but they had been playing at the highest level of women’s rugby league in the country - the RFL Women’s Super League - between 2021 and 2023.

*Training times and locations for Heysham Atoms are as follows:

Mondays (until end of March): Morecambe Bay Academy on Dallam Avenue, LA4 5BG. 6pm-7pm: under 7s to under 12s, 7pm-8pm: under 13s, under 15s, ladies, open age

Tuesdays (until end of March): Bay Leadership Academy on Osborne Road, LA3 5BG. 6pm-7pm: under 15s

Wednesdays (until end of March): Salt Ayre Leisure Centre on Doris Henderson Way, LA1 5JS. 6pm-7pm: under 11s and under 12s, 6.45-8pm: under 15s and open age together, ladies, men’s masters and ladies masters

From the beginning of April, training will move to Heysham Atoms’ new home, King George’s Playing Fields, with dates and times to be confirmed.