Renowned Red Roses player Amber Reed recently attended the RFU’s under-12s Love Rugby Showcase Festival at Twickenham Stadium, which saw the participation of over 30 schools and 400 young girls. Reed, who has had an illustrious England career with 67 caps, stressed the importance of developing women’s rugby at the grassroots level, alongside the upcoming home World Cup.
Reed emphasized the growing participation in women’s rugby and the need for a strong grassroots platform to support the professional game. She noted the increasing interest in the sport at both local and international levels, highlighting the significance of playing in large stadiums to cultivate passion and atmosphere.
The Love Rugby festival featured schools committed to the RFU’s Core Rugby Values and the development of girls’ rugby programs. The day included a series of rugby fixtures, providing opportunities for both contact and non-contact play, culminating in a memorable experience at the iconic Twickenham Stadium.
Many of the participating girls were new to the sport, and Reed expressed her sentiment, acknowledging the impact of such experiences on the young participants. She also reflected on her own rugby journey, emphasizing the importance of early engagement with the sport.
The event, held under the Continental Tyres Schools Cup, plays a crucial role in age-grade rugby in England, providing a platform for students to develop a love for the game. Such initiatives are fundamental to the development of women’s rugby, creating opportunities for young girls to engage with the sport and experience the grandeur of prestigious rugby stadiums.
Reed rightly pointed out the potential of such grassroots initiatives to inspire a future generation of Red Roses. The impact of these initiatives is vital for the continuous growth and evolution of women’s rugby.
In conclusion, the commitment to nurturing girls’ rugby at the grassroots level is essential for the overall development of the sport. The participation of schools and the RFU in providing such opportunities for young girls to engage with rugby lays the foundation for a promising future for women’s rugby. Ultimately, while the professional game gains traction, it is equally important to cultivate and celebrate the growth of women’s rugby at its foundational level, ensuring that these opportunities are extended to young girls across the country.