Bella Sykes on her Journey at Leeds Beckett to England Rugby and now Australia

Bella took time during the England training camp to sit down and talk more about her experience as a scholar student at Leeds Beckett, as well as her upcoming move to play rugby league in Australia in the pinnacle of the women’s game, the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership. 

With her rugby league journey beginning when she was 16, Bella has had a rapid progression through the sport, which has led her to compete at the highest levels of the women’s game.

“So I started playing rugby at Huddersfield Giants when I was 16 and then moved to Leeds when I was 18. I played there for three seasons and then now I'm in the England pathway too as well.”

Spending the last three years playing for Leeds Rhinos, Bella has continued to develop her game while balancing the demands of university life. Alongside her rugby career, Bella is studying Physical Education at Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Sport and is passionate about making an impact through teaching and sport.

Bella shared: “I feel like the degree has given me a focus away from rugby. I'm really passionate about teaching and making an influence on the lives of young people through sport. Through my degree it's given me the opportunity go into schools and share my experiences with kids and then also teach and get them to learn as well, which I think has been great.”

As a Leeds Beckett Sports Scholar, Bella explains the support she has received from the university has helped her further her rugby profession and ease the move to Australia.

“Leeds Beckett have been so supportive in the process, allowing me to do early submission for some of my assignments, and offering additional support through my tutors and lecturers. I can't ask for more support from Leeds Beckett in terms of assisting me in chasing my dreams really and going to do something that I really want to do.”

The scholarship includes financial support, which can be in the form of a Beckett Food card.

“All my food and nutrition when I'm at university is already sorted. It’s one less thing to think about especially on a weekend full of training.”

Offering advice to females looking to start their degree and pursue a career in rugby league, Bella says: “Just go for it. Leeds Beckett is so supportive in trying to get the best out of the students academically, but also for giving access to facilities, additional coaching or S&C support if you need it. If you’re a female rugby league athlete, I’d definitely recommend it.”