You never really know who is sitting next to you at a Sale Sharks Match. You don’t know their back story or even what they have done to show how much our club means to that person.

In 2009, Val Duckett embarked on a journey that would not only ignite her passion for rugby but also leave an indelible mark on the Sale Sharks community. What began as attending games at Edgeley Road on her own quickly evolved into a family affair, with Val inspiring her loved ones to join her in supporting the team she held dear.

We are taking time to interact with such people and are asking some questions, but overall allowing them to tell their story to a much bigger audience. Today we are going to share the story of Val Duckett through the eyes of her daughter Amy, who helped answer our questions. Val passed away in 2024 but she will always be remembered and in our hearts. This story is just a small way to keep her legacy going.

What inspired your love for rugby and particularly for Sale Sharks? 

Amy: “My mum – she inspired myself, sisters and family to get season tickets and made it a family event, quickly followed by the fact both my boys started playing at the age of six. We now have a hobby that we love doing together as a family which will hopefully continue into the boy’s adulthood – they learn so much from watching live games” 

How has being involved with rugby positively impacted your life? 

Amy: “In so many ways – it’s become a community of friends and family. We have met so many inspirational professionals player’s in the men’s and women’s team. Both my boys have learnt from their behaviours on and off the pitch from seeing them at community events, coaching and even being mentored by one of the most awesome rugby players – their values speak for themselves” 

How does the Sale Sharks Foundation’s work in promoting rugby and community engagement resonate with you personally? 

Amy: “Finding a sport that can involve everyone is so important. It can be an inclusive sport and the foundation works hard with communities and schools to get as many involved as possible. I often see the players from the women’s 1st team attending those events and think how amazing that and what other sport is would you see a professional player working within the community and inspiring the everyone to play”

Can you share a memorable experience or story related as a Sale Sharks supporter? 

Amy: “Since 2012, my sister Beth was dragged (not kicking and screaming) to the annual supporter dinners with my Mum, it was an absolute highlight for her and we all loved seeing the pictures over the years of her meeting players, however, the memory that stands out to all of us was 2023. I managed to score an invite to go with Mum to the dinner (that was an honour itself) on arrival Mum came bouncing over to me with a big smile and a little nervous ‘We are on Alex Sanderson table.” That evening is something she talked about many times as one of her best most magical experiences as she spent the evening asking him her list of questions and Alex was great company and so approachable and even managed a scrum lesson

Throughout mum’s journey, she formed meaningful connections including making lifelong friends with fellow fans sat in front of her (Mike and Margaret), also with Sale Sharks players like Sam James, who went above and beyond to make her feel valued as a supporter: We would like to say a big thank you to Sam, he met Mum at her first supporter’s dinner many years ago, she was extremely nervous, but Sam put her at ease and from then on made every effort to acknowledge her, always saying hello after all home games and sent her get well messages to cheer her up which she loved”

This is just one of many stories we will tell throughout the season. Through your support of the Sale Sharks Foundation, you not only honour Val’s legacy but also ensure that a general passion for rugby continues to inspire future generations.  

If you are able, please scan the QR code below to make a donation to the Sale Sharks Foundation. Your support will greatly help us in giving back to our communities