The Fullerians Rugby Club in Watford has officially announced the launch of their summer training programme for women and girls with an exciting Love Rugby event. The event garnered an impressive turnout, welcoming 40 girls of various ages, with ten of them trying out the sport for the first time.
The sessions were meticulously organized by the club’s dedicated coaches and were led by Alban Barnes, the head coach of the Under-18 squad. Expressing his passion for the sport, Alban stated, “Rugby is an amazing sport and inclusive to everyone coming to try for the first time. There is a place for everyone in a rugby squad and new players are always made to feel welcome.”
The coaches and players at Fullerians recognise the multifaceted benefits that rugby offers. Kristyan, a member of the coaching team, shared, “Rugby has transformed my daughter. It has helped with anxiety and confidence in other aspects of her life. It can be perceived as just a heavy contact sport, but it has numerous other layers.”
Nell, a member of the Under-18s squad, attributed her recovery and restored confidence to her passion for rugby. She recounted, “In 2021, I had to take a year off rugby as I was too unwell to pursue it. When I got home from the hospital, I began to watch old red roses games to pass my time and started to fall back in love with the sport. Without the support from my teammates, my confidence would never have returned.”
At Fullerians, players are not just encouraged to enhance their skills as athletes, but also to take on coaching roles and obtain referee qualifications. The club’s inclusive ethos is evidenced by the active involvement of current players from the U18s and U16s, as well as the women’s squad, during the Love Rugby session.
The Love Rugby event marked an exhilarating commencement to the summer training programme, which is scheduled to run throughout June and July. Training sessions are held on Thursday evenings, with the Under-12s and Under-14s starting at 6.15pm, and the Under-16, Under-18, and women’s squads starting at 7pm. For those keen on joining or learning more, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
The Fullerians Rugby Club is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for women and girls to flourish in the sport of rugby. The Love Rugby event exemplified their dedication to creating opportunities and embracing newcomers to the game. Events like these play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and empowerment through sports, and Fullerians Rugby Club is at the forefront of driving positive change within the community.