News : Guildfordians Girls Schools Event

Monday 8th Aug 22

Guildfordians Schools Event

Bristol Bears and Red Roses England International Rugby star, Leanne Infante, was host, yesterday, to over 100 local Years 5 and 6 girls from nearby schools for a fantastic afternoon taster session of rugby at the Stoke Park pitches of Guildfordians RFC. The objective was to enthuse possible future players for the new Under 12 age group for the Girls’ section in September 2022. The RFU has changed the bandings for the girls’ game and that is why the club is recruiting for that age group in September 2022.

To be fair, the great weather for the event was down to luck, but every other aspect of this highly successful event was down to the meticulous organisation by Leanne, supported by an amazing set of volunteers.

Also there, to inspire the girls, was Marlie Packer of Saracens RFC, also a highly capped England Rugby international. Leanne and Marlie were fully supported by the current Guildfordians Girls’ coaches, assisted by Guildfordians teenage players, who led the four groups in early rugby skills, ‘how to fall over’ training and mini matches. There were smiles all round as the girls loved the afternoon and were a credit to all their schools - Holy Trinity, Boxgrove, Northmead, Queen Eleanor’s, Sandfield, Worplesdon, St Joseph’s and The Marist. One young visitor, who should perhaps remain nameless to her English teacher, described the afternoon as ‘gobsmacking’!

Everyone was a winner from the international stars to the young visitors, some of whom had never touched a rugby ball. Abbie, currently in Guildfordians’ U18s, was delighted to be helping with the coaching and said:

‘Rugby has done so much for me, I’m keen to pass that on. It is really inclusive and brings great opportunities to bond with the other girls. Five minutes chatting about rugby and you have a new friend! Rugby has given me so much more personal confidence.’

All the girls supporting the coaches seemed to enjoy themselves just as much as the visitors. Lucy said: ‘Rugby has made me no longer feel like an outsider. It’s given me confidence.’

Dita and Carson both agreed, saying: ‘It’s great to see the future of rugby here in Stoke Park! And to have the chance to teach people what you love most. ’

Leanne had planned the afternoon with a great structure but allowing flexibility for the different groups. We were pleasantly surprised that quite a few of the visitors had already had a chance to try rugby. Not all schools offer girls this chance, but hopefully going forward there will be more opportunities to offer rugby, including as a GCSE option. Certainly, watching 100 young girls laughing, participating and showing great competitive skills gives hope for the inclusivity of this sport. Helen Holloway, who leads PE at Sandfield agreed and said: ‘The afternoon has been incredibly well-organised. The girls have been inspired by the rugby skills on show. We can hear lots of laughter and the games have been pitched at a perfect level of skill. The activities were great fun.’ The Sandfield teachers were also impressed that girls were quickly mixing with their counterparts from other schools.

Gary Papworth, of nearby Queen Eleanor’s school, agreed with his Sandfield colleagues: ‘The coaches are very good; there’s a great range of activities and it’s really well organised.’ Worplesdon Year 5 teacher and PE lead, Alastair Kennedy, who also plays for Guildfordians Seniors 1XV, added ‘It’s brilliant having the International stars here – Leanne and Marlie – but the young girls have also had the chance to see the U16s and U18s help lead the sessions. They are clearly looking up to them as well. It’s also a great event in the post-covid world to be able to join in something like this.’

All the U16s and U18s Guildfordians Girls threw themselves into the afternoon and showed great judgment in pitching their own game at the right level. They were all enthusiastic, with Lily saying that she felt it was ‘a good chance to develop my leadership skills and my skills as a player with this great bunch of girls.’

Towards the end of the afternoon session, Marlie spoke to the group about her own career from her first game aged 5, to her first cap for England in 2008, through being able to turn professional and, in-between, qualifying as a plumber. Marlie has so far helped England to World Cup victory in 2014 and to five Grand Slams in the 6 nations. Alongside Leanne, she is looking forward to a successful World Cup in the autumn in New Zealand. When asked by a young visitor who had inspired her, she simply replied ‘I just loved playing rugby!’ She added: ‘So good to come down and see so many girls getting involved and enjoying themselves. All credit to Leanne and Guildfordians for putting on an event like this which will help grow the game.’

There was a great encouraging show of hands when Leanne asked the assembled girls ‘who wants to continue playing rugby?’ Each girl was presented with autographed photos of Leanne and Marlie, and a rugby kit bag and ball. Leanne was delighted with the event:
‘The perfect day of girls’ rugby. Fun, laughter and enjoyment all afternoon in the sunshine. Just what the club wants and needs!’
And the girls went home, clutching their bags and balls knowing that there are three further taster sessions on Sunday mornings on 10th and 31st July, and 28th August.

There were some very promising young players there and Guildfordians is hoping that the girls feel inspired to keep going with the club. ‘We are much more confident now that not only will we be able to get the numbers for a new team together, but there will also be a good standard of players following in the footsteps of the high-quality teams of the other Guildfordians age groups,’ said coach Graham. ‘All very worthwhile.’

Fingers crossed – mission accomplished.

Alison Halsey
Treasurer
 
Guildfordians Schools Event

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