Professional women's rugby team to play 5 games at Memorial Field
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard announced on Tuesday that the New York Exiles will play five home games at Memorial Field.
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Professional women's rugby is coming to Mount Vernon.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard announced on Tuesday that the New York Exiles will play five home games at Memorial Field.
"The arrival of the New York Exiles marks a monumental moment for women's professional sports in our city. Women's Elite Rugby is breaking barriers and creating great opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level," Patterson-Howard said.
Coach Diego Maquieira said the Exiles will kick off the Women's Elite Rugby League's inaugural season on March 22 - just in time for Women's History Month.
"So, it's our first game and it's the league's first game. We'll be hosting the Boston Banshees here at Mount Vernon's Memorial Field," Maquieira said.
Some of the players on the team have ties to the Hudson Valley.
"I was born in Brooklyn, but I grew up in Rockland," player Jenn Salomon Clayton said.
Local or not, the group said they hope to introduce their sport to a new group of spectators.
"It's a sport that's truly underrated. A lot of people don't know about it," player Adriana Castillo said.
The mayor said the team will also inspire women and girls while shining a spotlight on Memorial Field.
"This partnership with the New York Exiles further solidifies Memorial Field as a top-tier venue for major sporting events--bringing economic benefits and excitement to our city," Patterson-Howard said.
For more information about the Exiles or the professional rugby league, please visit this website.
