WOMEN'S RUGBY This is England Women's Rugby - A plan to get 100,000 females involved in rugby - Pitchero
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
W O M E N ’ S
RUGBY
This is England
Women’s Rugby
A plan to get 100,000 females involved in rugby
englandrugby.com
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
Contents
A Strategy to Grow The Foundations Women Making
1 and Support Women’s 2 Our Vision & Plan
We plan to:
5 of The Game 6 a Difference
and Girls’ Rugby Club volunteer, Sophie Morris
P3 P7 Create a warm and welcoming P 22 The Foundations P 24
Women’s Rugby in England club environment of The Game
World Cup winner & University
The Future Together Rugby Development Officer,
Develop a grassroots playing,
Sarah Hunter
A Rapidly Growing Sport coaching and volunteering
pathway through education RFU Council Member,
Research & Strategy and into clubs Deborah Griffin OBE
Strategy Summary Provide local options RFU Council Member,
The Strategy Concentrates for every need Tracy Edmundson
on Four Key Pillars Making rugby an option
Linking Grassroots Rugby for Every
3 and Performance Rugby 4 Our Elite Teams
Our Elite Teams
7 Woman and Girl
P 18 Linking Grassroots P 20 P 28 Rugby for Every
and Performance Woman and Girl
This is England Women’s Rugby
Ian Ritchie – CEO Rugby Football Union
1
The women’s and girls’ game
is fully integrated within the
RFU and has experienced rapid
growth, doubling in size since
2004. The past season saw 17,656
playing, compared with 15,515
players in the 12/13 season.
“Significantly more are also playing in
the education sector or in formats like
touch rugby, with 19% of those signed
up to the O2 Touch rugby programme
being female. The potential to grow
the women’s and girls’ game further is
substantial and we aim to have 10,000
additional females playing by 2017.”
A Strategy to Grow
and Support Women’s
and Girls’ Rugby
“The potential to grow the women’s and
girls’ game further is substantial and we
aim to have 10,000 additional females
playing contact rugby by 2017.”
1
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
Section 1. A Strategy to Grow and Women’s Rugby in England
Support Women’s and Girls’ Rugby The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has more than 2,000 member clubs, more than 300 offering women’s and girls’ rugby.
“London 2012, the Commonwealth Games and 2013 Participation Significantly
increases have more females
Women’s Rugby World Cup have all helped increase been steady but are playing in the
the profile of women’s sport but it’s important that
we keep up the momentum.”
15,500
women and girls were registered
the potential to
grow the game
education sector
or in formats like
to play full contact rugby at the is substantial. touch rugby.
“The future of women’s rugby at the elite level is start of the 2013 season.
bright and England’s Women’s team is an inspiration
to women and girls coming into the sport. I welcome
the RFU’s strategy to get more women involved in the
game be that as players, coaches or volunteers.”
Helen Grant MP, Minister for Sport and Tourism
25,000 100,000 females involved
100%
Increase in
19%
Currently signed
in the game participation up to the O2 Touch
females playing contact rugby by since 2004. rugby programme
2017 is our aim.
At a time when women and girls are consuming sport and fitness in new and innovative ways, pushing
both themselves and their boundaries, rugby can play a pivotal role in their lives. Values are high on
the female agenda and rugby’s values of teamwork and respect appeal to women and girls who want
to enjoy sport.
With clear insights, transparent The Rugby Football Union’s agreed “We believe that rugby union
objectives and a firm strategic purpose for the grassroots of the sport enhances lives and that our
framework identifying shared is strengthening member clubs and clubs should be at the heart
goals, women’s rugby can achieve growing the game in the communities of communities. We want to
a significant step-change in around them. This strategy addresses
promote and grow our sport,
participation. To do this it is essential the challenges and advances the
in all its formats, taking it to
that all involved in the women’s game positive work undertaken by clubs,
and rugby in England work together coaches, referees, volunteers and the widest possible group
to support women’s rugby. players, to grow women’s and girls’ of players, volunteers and
rugby. We plan to achieve the aims set supporters. We aim to broaden
This strategy focuses on the needs out in this strategy by concentrating the game’s reach, keeping more
of the grassroots game, while on the growth and retention of people of all ages and genders
ensuring that the player pathway grassroots players, while linking with involved for life.”
is clear and connected creating performance, both in terms of pathway Source: Rugby Football Union Strategy 2013-2017
choice and opportunity for all. and promotion.
3 4
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
The Future Together Research & Strategy
In September 2010, the Rugby A field team of more than 260 staff The RFU’s lead up and legacy plans In early 2013, the RFU commissioned The key strands of the strategy are to:
Football Union for Women support the RFU’s work at grassroots harnessing the inspirational effect research into women’s rugby based
level, which includes: of hosting Rugby World Cup 2015, on five thousand respondents sharing • Create a warm and welcoming • Provide local options
(RFUW) was integrated into the world’s third largest sporting their thoughts and opinions on the club environment to meet every need
the RFU, with full integration • 50 Rugby Development Officers event, are targeted at increasing game. Existing female rugby players, • Develop a grassroots playing, • Change the perception
into RFU structures and • 120 Community Rugby Coaches
participation amongst both men females participating in other sports coaching and volunteering of rugby to make it a more
management by July 2012. working on men’s, women’s and
and women. and less active females all took part. pathway through education attractive option to females
This led to the development of the
youth rugby With a home Rugby World Cup and into clubs
This unification of men’s and Women’s and Girls’ Strategy, which
in 2015, men’s and women’s sevens was approved by the Community
women’s rugby under a single • 6 Women’s Rugby Development
entering the Olympics in 2016 and Game Board in May 2013.
governing body reflects the RFU’s Officers focusing exclusively on
the Women’s World Cup in 2017,
intention to put women’s and girls’ women’s and girls’ rugby, providing
this is the perfect time to grow the
rugby at the heart of the sport. expert advice and support to
women’s game. The talent of top
member clubs.
female players is being ever more
recognised and all of those players
began playing in grassroots clubs.
The strategy concentrates on four key pillars
Create a warm and Provide local Develop a grassroots Make rugby an
welcoming club options for playing, coaching option amongst
This is the perfect time to grow the Strategy environment. every need. and volunteering female sport
pathway. participants.
women’s game. The talent of top female Invest in clubs to Create women’s Create, train and More women
players is being ever more recognised
deliver suitable rugby focus areas support women’s considering rugby
playing and training that will result rugby deliverers to be an option for
opportunities in strong pockets to embed rugby fitness and social
with appropriate of rugby across in secondary interaction and
Objective places to play and the country through schools, colleges providing a clear
socialise. reducing travel times and universities - pathway into clubs
between each. ensuring a clear and universities.
A Rapidly Growing Sport player pathway
throughout.
With a huge expansion over the The desire is, however, not just Achieving growth in women’s and
past decade, nurturing existing to retain players but to increase girls’ rugby and ensuring an enjoyable 15,500 females that Clubs are few There are limited “Rugby is not seen
participation by a further 10,000 by experience will require recruiting do play are engaged and far between opportunities for as a game for me”
interest and passion will see 2017 through targeted work with 200 volunteers into key roles and support with the game but and travel times girls to play in by many women,
this increase. member clubs across England. for those currently involved. Insights feel unsupported. to matches are clubs, schools girls or parents.
too long. & colleges.
Growth is rapid, over 15,000 women To increase numbers at teenage and The RFU is investing in up-skilling
and girls were playing contact rugby adult level and reduce any teenage existing volunteers, with direct
each week in 2013 – an increase of drop off rate, the RFU is working with support for individuals to access
90% since 2004 - and the gap between clubs to review and understand the necessary training. The aim to offer
female participation in rugby and situation and to create initiatives to 2,000 people the opportunity to
other sports will continue to shrink. keep young women in the game. be trained or up skilled within the
women’s game by 2017.
England’s female rugby population
is one of the largest in the world.
5 6
This is England Women’s Rugby
Section 2. Our Vision & Plan
2
Our Vision & Plan
A strong and connected women’s rugby
community who are accepted and
supported by the wider rugby family,
admired within the broader sporting
world and considered by female sports
participants.
We plan to:
• Devise a blueprint for a strong and
connected rugby community.
• Establish a network of well-
connected volunteers, coaches
and administrators to support
• Optimise the number of
opportunities to play for secondary
school age and upwards across all
• Begin a cultural change, which the game. levels and different game formats.
eliminates any barriers to women
and girls within rugby clubs. • Only work with clubs that already • Seek to drive cultural change
have a strong commitment to through increasing the involvement
• Improve the physical environment developing the female game. of women in clubs, on Community
in which women socialise, play and Boards and amongst Rugby Football
train within clubs. • Ensure that the right infrastructures Union committees.
are around those clubs to ensure
• Encourage clubs to work that female player development is • Create new and innovative ways of
cooperatively to increase at the heart of all that we do. presenting the game to encourage
participation within their area. participation at every level.
We will do this by working with
200 focus clubs, in 50 Local
Rugby Partnerships.
8
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
1. Create a warm and welcoming club environment How will we do that?
•• Implement a Club Engagement •• Commit to running an annual •• Improve facilities in clubs used
Programme designed to a) Improve conference for the Local Rugby by women and girls as players,
the visibility and accessibility of Partnership (LRP) clubs to share supporters, coaches, volunteers and
the RFU nationally and b) Share good practice and help us to shape officials by highlighting needs and
information within and outside the following operational year. directing investment appropriately.
clubs, ensuring that we are Act upon feedback and implement
engaging at local, regional monitoring and evaluation linking
and national levels. closely to the RFU CRM system,
to identify participation patterns
•• Consult with clubs to gain crucial and trends.
feedback and, with a workforce on
the ground, work with clubs on a
regular basis to understand the
impact of our actions and react
accordingly to ensure the growth
of the game.
Research by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation, supported by RFU research, found that one
of the main barriers to females playing sport is the changing and clubhouse facilities. Between 2003
and 2012 the RFU and Rugby Football Foundation invested £23.4m in grants and loans for improved
changing facilities and clubhouses in 763 clubhouse projects, with a total projects cost of £72m.
Improvements must be made to We will work with clubs to identify With a high number of females
make facilities much more attractive key thoughts and trends surrounding wanting to play some Saturday rugby
to women, concentrating on both wider club culture and how women supported by the majority of their
What do we know? the aesthetics and the practicality feel about the rugby environment. clubs, we need to reflect on where
of targeting a different gender. Looking at club culture and equality female rugby really sits in the hearts
will assist in making any step changes of our clubs and challenge any
The incentive is there. The Social needed to fully integrate men’s and negative perceptions.
•• Rugby clubs don’t always provide a •• Rugby clubs don’t always have •• However, a large number of Spaces programme offers grants women’s rugby in grassroots clubs.
warm and welcoming environment appropriate facilities for women rugby clubs have places to play, for projects transforming club social The RFU is investing £10 million in
to women and girls. and girls. train and socialise on site – which spaces with the aim of restoring Working with clubs, we will address facilities up to 2017, with the Rugby
can be utilised. rugby clubs to the heart of their local women’s needs and the need for Football Foundation investing £1.45m
communities. This is the first time that cultural change. We are proud of annually in retention and recruitment
the RFU has offered grants for social rugby’s tradition but also committed of community rugby players.
What do we need? facilities, and female participants’ to rugby’s core values.
needs will form part of this.
•• Strong links between the RFU, clubs •• Improvement of the physical •• Improvement of the wider
and Community Boards to form environment for clubs welcoming environment and culture for clubs
a virtuous circle of feedback and women and girls. looking to attract women and girls.
insight from the women’s game.
9 10
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
2. Develop a grassroots playing, coaching and What do we know?
volunteering pathway through education and into clubs
•• Limited options to play during •• All Schools and other targeted •• Growing the game will
education. Teachers are not work across the country is require more coaches,
always comfortable delivering beginning to impact positively referees and volunteers.
rugby. Limited pathway in place at on participation in clubs.
introductory and grassroots level,
with a lack of focus around female
wants and needs from rugby.
What do we need?
•• Increased delivery through •• A game-wide accepted •• To recruit new, and up-skill existing
targeted work in senior schools introductory experience and coaches volunteers and referees.
where there is no All Schools pathway for women and girls
programme within the LRP, to new to rugby.
create a critical mass of players.
How will we do that?
•• Produce a customer journey model, •• Broaden the reach of the game •• Carefully plan work strands that
showing introductory options and through a variety of avenues, a deliver rugby in the education
transitions into contact rugby key area being centred on creating sector to meet the needs of the
One of the biggest barriers Encouraging school-age girls to play Working on appropriate game formats across school, college, university a great experience for females female game. Commit to plan,
that women face when rugby is vital to the future health of for a younger age group, in 2013 and club environments. wanting to make the transition into deliver and review on time so
the game both in grassroots playing the RFU launched O2 Touch in 75 contact rugby in clubs. Investing that learning is achieved and not
thinking about taking up the numbers and elite success. colleges around England, and has •• Ensure a good first impression, in this area will ensure both unnecessarily duplicated.
game of rugby is a lack of plans to take O2 Touch to a further through the coach or volunteer, broadening reach and converting
knowledge or opportunity In 2012 the RFU launched the All 200 colleges and 100 universities by finding the appropriate activity people into regular contact players. •• Recruit to three main
Schools programme, founded on the and how it is delivered. The fitness volunteering roles, Team
to try rugby. With the sport 2017. Currently, [18%] of O2 Touch
outside many females’
principle that ALL schools can play participants are female. industry does this incredibly well •• Plan all RFU led targeted work by Managers, Communication
rugby, ALL of the children in the and sport, particularly organised looking at the wider needs of an Officers, Social Media Officers.
sporting consideration schools can play, and rugby has a team sport, can learn from this. area, utilising appropriate products
because it hasn’t been offered positive impact on ALL of the schools. and programmes and at the right •• Bring an additional 2000 coaches
from an early age, the RFU is More than half the first 100 schools in •• Work with each of our partners time for players. volunteers and referees into the
the initial roll out offered girls-only to continue to educate on the game through providing courses in
working in schools, colleges benefits of great customer service the right places at the right times.
or mixed sessions. The aim is to have
and universities to provide 400 new secondary schools playing by and implement an appropriate
playing opportunities. RWC 2015. introductory pathway for players
new to the game.
11 12
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
3. Provide local options for every need
Women’s sport and physical
activity has declined over the
past four years, with a significant
participation gender gap.
41% of men taking part in at least one
30-minute session of sport or physical
activity a week, compared with 29% of
women. However, 54% of women (almost 12
million) say they would like to do more sport
and physical activity. Since this is 51% of the
population, it is vital that those delivering
sport engage with the female market more
effectively to drive participation.
Source: ScUK and WSFF Research 2012
What do we need?
•• A cooperative agreement between •• Increased delivery of O2 Touch •• A competition structure, capable
area clubs to work together to and other informal rugby within of expansion with the growth of the
With just over 300 clubs A variety of ways to play and be Women are consuming sport in a agreed principles and offering a universities and colleges, and game and increasing the number of
offering rugby for females, involved will be implemented, variety of different ways, but key range of rugby options. transition options to both touch women’s matches on Saturdays.
giving women and girls choice drivers remain the same: they want and contact rugby at the club.
opportunities to play and opportunity. sport at the right time, in the right •• Better club community links
competitive games are limited place and for the right cost. established with schools, colleges,
and involve extensive travel. We will work with 200 clubs universities, Touch Centres and
intensively over the next four years, Working with clubs and LRPs the community groups.
Few clubs are able to offer
to develop strong rugby clusters, with RFU will continue to map rugby
female rugby at every age clubs joining together to look at how choices in each area including touch,
group, limiting opportunities best to grow female rugby in their fitness related offers and pitch up and How will we do that?
to play locally. area. Looking at the wider approach play sessions which allow all females
to rugby, striking a balance between to try contact rugby in a safe, effective
We will work in geographical areas finding enough females to field and friendly environment.
to improve density, increase playing competitive teams and recreational •• Through developing a Local Rugby geographical areas. This will improve •• Give clubs the tools to link to and
options, can help to grow the game Partnership Agreement. responsiveness through economies connect with their community to
options and reduce travel times. of scale and resource availability, maximize their visibility and offer
and its supporters.
•• Clubs, with RFU assistance, develop with more achieved through a clear route into club rugby.
the Club Charter, which will include increased capacity and expertise.
What do we know?
a commitment to the four pillars •• Ensure all partnerships offer a
of the Women’s and Girls’ Strategy •• Allow for challenges and variety of playing options to appeal
and Vision and link back to the timescales involved in collaborative to the audience’s wants and needs.
Core Purpose and Core Values. working and introduce a flexible
•• Female clubs can be geographically •• There is a lack of consistency of •• Clubs need to work together for the implementation strategy setting
distant involving extensive travel ways to play across the country. good of rugby in their area, which •• Work collaboratively, assisting clubs out local issues. Work closely
time. will ultimately benefit all. to work together on a number of with all parties to overcome
areas, such as fielding joint teams initial difficulties and possible
until critical mass is achieved, perceptions that each and every
and reducing travel times in partner is unique.
13 14
This is England Women’s Rugby This is England Women’s Rugby
4. Making rugby an option What do we need?
•• A strategy that reinvents toughness within female rugby to appeal to the ‘strong not skinny’ generation.
What do we know?
•• Inspiring female role models •• The barriers to participation are •• Despite impressive fan statistics,
can have a significant impact often compounded by deeply there is far too big a disconnect
on participation. entrenched perceptions or between female fan numbers and
stereotypes. participation.
How will we do that?
•• By creating Marketing and •• Improving the experience of the •• Creating new, relevant and
Communications messaging 15,000 girls and women playing innovative ways of presenting the
which resonates with aspirational rugby, making it appear a more game and introducing new ways
toughness. attractive and inclusive activity for for the younger generation to trial
those on the periphery of the game. and experience rugby in a way
•• Raising the visibility of women’s that is relevant to and appealing
Rugby in England has developed from a heavily male dominated sport, which often informs the perception
rugby to redefine rugby as unisex •• Driving England Connected, to them. This should help those
sport and continuing to drive fan the RFU’s campaign to ensure on the periphery of the game find
of female rugby players. However, there are wider social and cultural shifts taking place amongst females engagement not just at men’s everyone feels part of the rugby appropriate playing opportunities.
which have the potential, if utilized correctly, to change the face of fitness and sports participation. events, but at women’s matches. community and using the profile
of the England men in the lead up •• Challenging misconceptions of
Sweating during exercise, once •• Capitalising on the opportunity of to RWC 2015 to build the profile rugby as a sport exclusively for
major competitions including World
Women are proud of their
considered unfeminine, is embraced of our female rugby team, which men via the media.
Cups and Olympic Games, while will have a positive impact on
by today’s women who see athleticism
inspiring the grassroots of the game perception.
as sexy and regard strong as the new
strength. Toughness has
in the build-up to those events.
skinny. This reflects a cultural shift
in types of female role models.
The Olympics showcased women
excelling in sport, showed athletic become aspirational.
women admired and respected by
men, strong, healthy and powerful
women. This is also reflected in
This presents the biggest
the media as highlighted by the
tremendous interest in our recent
Women’s World Cup winning team.
opportunity of all.
15 16This is England Women’s Rugby
Section 3. Linking Grassroots & Performance Rugby
3
Linking Grassroots &
Performance Rugby
This strategy focuses on the
development of the grassroots
of the game. However, there is
an inextricable link between
the grassroots and the
performance element.
The cycle of sport tells us that
International success is key when
looking to increase visibility. With a
major focus on ensuring the women’s
game is promoted at the highest
levels, increased visibility acts as an
important lever to grow participation.
International
Success
We will continue to work closely
with Performance Rugby, particularly
around the talent pathway which is
the main point at which the grassroots
players become the talent of the future.
Increase Linking grassroots Increased
in talent
pathway and performance Visibility
Growth in
Participation
18This is England Women’s Rugby
4
Section 4. Our Elite Teams
Our Elite Teams
Just as the England men’s team The RFU invested approximately “Knowing the country were
acts as a shop window for the £2.5m on women’s elite rugby last behind England Women
year, which includes talent
sport, England women’s teams identification and development. and reading everyone’s
have the same potential. The England 15s programme is one messages of support was
of the best resourced in the world, a massive boost to the
The RFU supports three women’s elite allowing England’s female elite rugby team in their recent World
teams – England Women, England athletes to compete at the top level.
Sevens and England Under 20s. The RFU does not receive any public Cup campaign. The future
funding from UK Sport to support the is very bright and we are
The England Women squad won the
2104 Women’s World Cup, having
elite women’s programme but does looking forward to the
receive Sport England funding and introduction of a full time
reached the final in the last three talent funding to 2017.. The markers
Women’s World Cups: 2002, 2006 and used to assess the health of the game sevens programme to allow
2010, the latter hosted in England. They have been agreed with Sport England. us to compete effectively
have won no less than seven Six Nations
titles since 2003 and six Grand Slams in
on the World Stage. This is
The best ambassadors for women’s
the last decade. In 2013 the sevens team rugby are some 1,000 women playing a huge positive step.”
were runners up in the 7s World Series. rugby to a very high level within
the talent pathway, which focuses Gary Street – England
on talented players from U15 to Women Head Coach
senior level.
20This is England Women’s Rugby
Section 5. The Foundations of The Game
5
The Foundations of The Game
COACHING
OFFICIATING
PLAYING
DEVELOPMENT
These departments of the RFU offer the
real foundations of the game, with all areas
working together to ensure a joined up
pathway. Currently there are two strategies
within the female game – grassroots and
performance, with obvious areas of overlap.
VOLUNTEERING
COMPETITIONS
CLUB
DEVELOPMENT
The RFU wants to
PERFORMANCE
give every female the
opportunity to fulfil
GROWTH
EDUCATION
Those areas of overlap need to be tightened
to allow seamless transition for females from their potential, on
grassroots into performance.
The RFU wants to give every female the opportunity
and off the field.
to fulfil their potential, on and off the field, as a player,
coach or volunteer and as such make a commitment
to develop a fully aligned strategy for the female game
from 2017 onwards.
22This is England Women’s Rugby
Section 6. Women Making a Difference
6
Women Making a Difference
Club volunteer,
Sophie Morris
A Sponsorship and Marketing
Consultant, Sophie became
involved with rugby as a
Director of Marketing for a
Financial Services firm which
sponsored the Barbarians
games at Twickenham.
In 2012 on a Government website she
discovered Millwall Rugby Club and
offered her services as a volunteer.
She was appointed Development
Officer, looking after sponsorship,
marketing and press. Having not
played team sport since school, she
took up touch and then moved on to
contact rugby, playing for Millwall’s
ladies team.
Sophie now sits on the Essex County
RFU Development Committee.
Sophie’s increased Millwall Rugby
Club’s sponsorship income by more
than 500% and brought the club’s
first ever sponsor of the ladies team
on board. She sits on one of the
RFU’s six regional Rugby World Cup
Activation and Legacy Groups set
up to capitalise on the participation
growth opportunity of 2015.
Sophie has recently set up her
own marketing consultancy,
specialising in rugby sponsorship.
She is keen to promote sponsorship
in the women’s game.
World Cup winner and University
Rugby Development Officer,
Sarah Hunter
Sarah began playing rugby international successes as player
league at the age of nine at and captain include winning the Six
Nations five times and the European
school in North Tyneside. Championship, Nations Cup and
She took up rugby union European Trophy twice each.
five years later.
She was voted players’ player at
Novocastrians, Lichfield, Loughborough
A BSc in Sport Science and
University and the England Academy.
Mathematics at Loughborough
Having just won a gold medal as an
University also saw her win the
England World Cup winner, she is now
British Universities Championship
an RFU University Rugby Development
at Twickenham with Loughborough’s
Officer for the South West.
women’s team. Having captained
Lichfield women’s premiership
team, as well as the North East U18s
and Northumberland U16s, her
24This is England Women’s Rugby
RFU Council Member,
Deborah Griffin OBE
Deborah started playing She is also a bursar at Homerton College,
rugby at University College Cambridge University and was awarded
the OBE for services to women’s rugby
London and captained the first in 2011 in recognition of her role in
English women’s club side at establishing the England women’s
Finchley in its first year and team and the Women’s World Cup.
later at Richmond.
Deborah is currently a member
of the RFU Board.
A founding member of the Women’s
Rugby Football Union in 1983. She
chaired the organisation of the
first Women’s Rugby World Cup in
Cardiff in 1991. Returning as Finance
Officer to the RFUW in 2002 and
subsequently Chair of the Board,
Deborah saw the RFUW to full
integration in 2012.
RFU Council Member,
Tracy Edmundson
In June 2013 Tracy Edmundson
was the first female to be
elected an RFU Council
Member as one of two Council
representatives for Notts, Lincs
& Derbyshire.
Tracy has been an active member
of Derby RFC since 2002 and holds
a number of key voluntary roles
in the club. She previously worked
in advertising and marketing and
currently works for a management
consultancy specialising in
procurement, energy and
management systems.
25This is England Women’s Rugby
7
Section 7. Rugby for Every Woman and Girl
Rugby for Every
Woman and Girl
The step change needed in female rugby has begun but work “For women’s rugby to be
continues to address some of the cultural and practical issues. viewed as a team game for
every woman, no matter
The will is there and, with collaborative working, the aims and desires of this sporting aptitude or shape
strategy can be met and the vision achieved. and size – as usual for
We believe that to continue to be one of the best rugby playing nations in the women and girls as it is for
world, we must look past 2017, into 2021 and beyond, where we hope that this men and boys.”
vision will have become a reality.
RFU Women and Girls
Strategy Vision 2021
We all know that there needs to be a radical shift in our approach to
get more women playing sport. It is pleasing to see that this strategy
looks beyond the traditional game to what women and girls are asking
for from the sport. As we look to all sports to close the gender gap,
we hope that this fresh approach will lead to innovative ways of
getting more women and girls playing rugby regularly.
Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England
28The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered
trade marks of the Rugby Football Union and are subject to extensive
trade mark registration worldwide
englandrugby.comYou can also read
