Why start a women’s and/or girls’ side?
More people
Inclusion of families
Inclusion of the whole community – better club links
Something for everyone
More activity
Supporting the rugby ethos of a sport for all
A vibrant club
Club events (family days)
More money
Increased membership revenue
Increased bar/catering revenue
Increase in potential funding opportunities on inclusion of women
More fun
Increased numbers of members attending matches, dinners and events
More players staying in the club after matches
Increased interest in all teams
If your club would like to create a link with an existing women’s side, set up a new women’s side, establish age group sides for girls, or ensure girls are incorporated into an existing or new minis section, the RFU can help.
The following provides a useful starting point:
•Contact your local RFU Women’s Rugby Development Officer and/or RFU Rugby Development Officer and discuss your intentions. Contact the RFU to find your local RFU representative
•Think about the sustainability of the new section, and whether your club has the playing facilities and volunteer capacity to accommodate additional teams
•Ensure that the new section is completely integrated into all aspects of the club, and that the women and girls have access to equipment, coaching, the clubhouse, the bar, the Committee meetings and other services
How to register a new female team
•Contact your local WRDO
There are also some general areas of club development to consider. These include:
•Finding more people to help (which particular new roles will need filling),
Coaching requirements,
•Safety, risk assessment, first aid, emergency procedures,
•Safeguarding, DBS and codes of conduct – are all coaches aware of appropriate conduct at sessions for girls and women? (training is available – contact your Regional Development Officer)
•Links with schools, local organisations and the community,
•Facility development to support new programmes – for example, are your changing rooms appropriate; can women always have access?