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27th May 2025

Road to Wembley

Ainscough is home to a vast array of talented individuals with wide-ranging abilities from different backgrounds, but few can claim to have played their sport at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium. Purchase Ledger Assistant, Ellise Derbyshire, 20, can. We caught up with Ellise about her career with Ainscough and Wigan Warriors.

I’m a bit of an Ainscough newbie, having started in September last year. I was looking for a job that allowed me time enough to pursue professional rugby whilst allowing me opportunity to advance my career with key skills, training and ample chance to push myself. My Aunty, Kelly, works at the head office in Standish, and let me know of an opening there.

 

Image courtesy of Bryan Fowler

 

As a Purchase Ledger Assistant, I help in dealing with suppliers, their queries and invoices – making sure our operations run smoothly. The team – my colleagues – are super friendly and have made me feel like a valued member of the team and have pushed me to excel in a non-judgemental environment.

My rugby career started at age 14, playing for my school side. From there, I played for a variety of local clubs before being offered a chance to join Wigan Warriors, part of the RFL Women’s Super League. In my first year there, we went to the Challenge Cup semi-final, being edged out by eventual champions, St Helens. This year, we’ve surpassed that, and I’m so excited to play in the final at Wembley Stadium!

They’re a great bunch of girls, a real mixture of exciting youth and experience – I hope we can go all the way and beat the reigning champions. I’m grateful for all the support the Ainscough folks have shown, I know they’ll be keeping their fingers crossed for me.

Working with Ainscough and the Warriors has helped me understand the value of teamwork, organisation and the benefits of being a perpetual student – constantly learning and developing.

Away from the office and the pitch I’m a keen owner of a Cockerpoo and a very lively Cocker Spaniel – both keep me on my toes!

 

Image courtesy of Ste Gaunt 

Headline image courtesy of Wigan Warriors

 

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