Girls Rugby on the Increase In Cumbria

18th March 2010

A new series of playing and training opportunities for girls in Cumbria Rugby sessions aimed at girls in years 8-10

Girls' rugby in Cumbria is to get a huge boost this spring with a series of playing and training opportunities across the county.  

With a view to increasing the numbers at club level the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) have joined forces with Cumbria RFU and the Cumbria Women & Girls Forum to establish a series of training sessions and festivals over the coming months for girls currently in school years 8 -10 inclusive.

Local clubs also involved in the programme include Carlisle, Cockermouth, Egremont, Furness, Keswick and Kendal and Workington.  Regular sessions shall be held at all the clubs during April & May, and then leading into the new season.

Mark Harper, RFUW Club & Coach Officer, said: "Girls' rugby in Cumbria has been getting stronger in recent years. This is largely because of the work of the Cumbria RFU Development Team, but in a Women's Rugby World Cup year we especially keen to get more girls into the sport. This new programme should certainly see more players coming into the game."

As part of this initiative it's also planned that a number of volunteers will be put forward to the RFU Young Officiators Course and coaching courses.

Rob Thomson, also an RFUW Club & Coach Officer, added: "When we first discussed this project we were conscious of the need to look at the bigger picture. If we have more players then we need more referees, coaches and mangers so with that in mind we are working with our colleagues in the Referees & Volunteering departments to provide support for the clubs in this programme." 

For more information about how to get involved please contact Mark Harper.