(Image: Specsavers)
A rugby league player from York has made a return to the sport she loved as a child, thanks to support from her local Specsavers store in Acomb.
Natalie Brown, who plays for York Acorn Women’s Rugby League team, has completed her second season back in the game after stepping away from rugby for more than two decades.
Specsavers in Front Street has helped fund her player subscriptions, off-field training kits, and contact lenses she wears on and off the pitch, helping her to maintain clear vision during matches.
Natalie first played for York Acorn as a young girl before eventually returning to the club's women's team, where she has featured in a range of positions and become part of a growing movement to encourage more women and girls into rugby league.
Specsavers Acomb’s commitment to Natalie and the women’s team is part of its ongoing promise to support community initiatives throughout York, helping to ensure residents continue to have access to spaces and clubs that foster skill development and socialisation.
Natalie said: “Community is at the heart of everything we stand for at our club, and I’m extremely proud to be part of the city’s women-only rugby league team.
“For a long time, it was exclusively for men; however, my teammates and I are proof that it’s a sport for everyone – we now have U14 and U12 girls’ teams, which is exciting because we get to be part of their development.
“I’m thankful for the ongoing support the team at Specsavers Acomb has provided me.
“It’s allowed me to focus on the sport and highlights the importance of local networks supporting groups in the community to help keep them thriving.
“They’ve been with me for every try I score and every winning game, and I’m proud to have the local support of Specsavers, who took the chance to believe in me as a player.
“Rugby has helped me and my teammates’ mental health, and people must have access to groups that can support them in different ways – and I really must thank my sister; if it weren’t for her asking me to come back to the team, I wouldn’t be where I am now – it’s truly the best decision I ever made.”
York Acorn Rugby League has expanded over the years from two men’s sides to include women – the only women’s rugby league club in York.
Alexandra Brightwell, director at Specsavers Acomb, comments: “It’s always amazing to see how much community support can help people, clubs and organisations prosper.
“Being able to support Natalie this season and help the club grow its female team is such an honour and a wonderful achievement that we’re grateful to be a part of.”
“As a local business, we must work together to build a community we’re proud of and to continue nurturing residents.
“We wish Natalie the best of luck and are committed to supporting her throughout the next season, with the hope of getting involved with the other teams at York Acorn in the future.”
Specsavers Acomb is located at 1b Front Street, Acomb, York, YO24 3BW, and offers eye health and hearing services alongside a wide range of glasses and hearing solutions.
To book an appointment or speak to a member of the team, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/acomb or call 01904 520 050.