Exeter’s Role as a Catalyst

With seven Women’s Rugby World Cup matches scheduled in Exeter, local sports clubs are eagerly seizing the opportunity to increase female participation in rugby. This tournament is viewed as a pivotal step towards fostering greater involvement among women and girls.

Facility Upgrades to Promote Inclusivity

Ash Parson, the chairman of Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club, highlighted significant improvements made to their facilities, including:

• Four changing rooms with private entrances
• Showers and gender-neutral toilets

Parson noted that women and girls previously had to play separately on Sundays, making these upgrades crucial for promoting inclusivity within the sport.

According to Rachel Miller, a development officer for the Rugby Football Union (RFU), many rugby clubs were established at a time when women’s rugby was not prominent, making the recent facility improvements a “really positive shift in the culture.”

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Parson emphasized that the new facilities enable the club to host a wide range of matches without concerns regarding safeguarding issues. The RFU reports a considerable growth among women and girls in rugby, underscoring the need for changes that accommodate their involvement.

Additional Efforts to Engage Women in Sports

Miller stated that improving facilities is just one part of the effort; increasing female representation among coaches and referees is also enhancing the overall environment. Simple adjustments, such as the installation of sanitary bins, have made women feel acknowledged and valued, fostering a sense of belonging.

Participating clubs in Devon are actively leveraging the World Cup to attract more women into rugby through various initiatives, such as:

• Organizing watch parties
• Hosting fun activity days for girls featuring crafts like bracelet making and knitting

This community engagement has led to a visible boost in female involvement within the sport.

Expansion Beyond Rugby

The movement to increase female participation is extending beyond rugby. Ashley Brandon has established Plymouth’s first girls-only football academy, aimed at providing training for girls aged 10 to 14. This academy focuses on developing talent and creating pathways into professional football.

Recently, the academy became a feeder club for Torquay Academy and is forging connections with other local professional teams. Brandon expressed her vision: “Our goal is to help and develop as many girls as we can become the best they can be… in the beautiful game we call football.”