Dozens of girls from 8 local primary schools enjoyed an introduction to rugby as part of Brighton & Hove City Council’s ongoing efforts to increase female participation in sport. This initiative not only familiarises young girls with the sport of rugby but also aims to instil a sense of teamwork and resilience, essential traits that help them both on and off the field. Participating in such activities can significantly boost confidence levels and help in building lifelong friendships.
The council teamed up with Hove Rugby Club to host the rugby festival at Hove Rec, with almost 100 girls from across Year 3 and Year 4 taking part. It was the latest event in the council’s School Games programme, which focuses on promoting inclusive sporting opportunities. The atmosphere at the festival was vibrant, with coaches and volunteers encouraging every girl to engage and try her best, making it an unforgettable experience for many.
Council staff and Hove Rugby Club coaches were supported by volunteers from Blatchington Mill and Cardinal Newman as part of the city’s Sports Leaders initiative, which sees older students developing skills and helping inspire younger children. This mentorship programme is crucial as it not only provides role models for younger girls but also fosters a sense of community, motivating everyone involved to strive for personal and collective success in sports.
Vicky Alexander, the RFU’s women and girls growth activator for the London and South East was also in attendance to see first-hand the progress being made locally. Her presence highlights the importance of regional support in nurturing emerging talent and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the sport of rugby, encouraging more girls to take part and pursue their athletic aspirations.
Teachers from each school were given guidance on how to deliver rugby sessions once back in school, with the festival focused on T1 rugby, an inclusive, non-contact format developed by World Rugby to mirror the full experience of traditional rugby union. This approach is particularly beneficial, as it allows girls to learn the fundamentals of the sport without the fear of injury, thereby encouraging participation and interest in rugby from an early age.
Girls who enjoyed the festival were also encouraged to join a new girls-only session launched by Hove Rugby Club. This initiative creates a safe and supportive environment for girls to develop their rugby skills, make new friends, and continue their journey in sports. The club aims to foster an inclusive community where every girl feels valued and empowered to reach her full potential in rugby.
Already home to one of the country’s longest-established women’s rugby teams, Hove Rugby Club recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of the start of its girls’ rugby programme by launching Hove Tigers, a weekly session for under-nines and under-10s. This programme has been instrumental in developing young talent and creating a pathway for girls to progress into competitive rugby, showcasing the club’s commitment to the growth of women’s rugby.
And in recognition of its continued efforts to expand local opportunities for women and girls, the council also presented the club with a signed rugby ball from last year’s New Zealand v Ireland Women’s World Cup match, which took place here in Brighton & Hove. This gesture signifies the importance of international events in inspiring local initiatives and reminds young players of the wider community they are part of, igniting aspirations to excel in rugby
Earlier this year the council launched its Sport Lifts Her Higher campaign, aiming to establish Brighton & Hove as the UK capital for women and girls participation in sport – with events like the recent rugby festival key to helping inspire more girls to get active and enjoy the lifelong benefits associated with sport. The campaign focuses on creating visibility for female athletes and fostering a supportive atmosphere for girls to engage in various sports, including rugby.
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “There is so much fantastic work being done across the city to create more opportunities for girls and Hove Rugby Club are a fantastic example of this. Initiatives like these provide essential platforms for young girls to discover their potential in rugby, helping to break down barriers and cultivate a future generation of female athletes.
“As a council, we’re committed to helping our local school community encourage and empower young people to get active and find a sport they love and events like our rugby festival are a key part of this. By promoting sports like rugby, we not only enhance physical fitness but also contribute to the mental well-being of participants, instilling a sense of belonging and accomplishment.
“We know the difference being active can make and these sorts of events help us tackle the stubborn participation gap we still see between boys and girls.” The council’s ongoing commitment to addressing this disparity includes organising more events and creating opportunities tailored to engage girls specifically in sports such as rugby, which is often viewed as male-dominated.
