North Walsham Rugby Club are poised to embrace the women's game by setting up two junior teams.
With participation in women's rugby at an all time high following England's strong showing in the 2017 World Cup, the club are introducing an under-13s girls team, with an under-15s side soon to follow.
'We've been working hard putting the necessary infrastructure in place and are ready to go,' said Mike Mack, who is leading the initiative.
'Mixed rugby ends with the Under-11s so by launching the under-13s first we are creating a pathway for the 11 and 12-year-olds who could otherwise cease playing. Our aim is a clear a route through to adult rugby and the under-15s will be the next stage.'
Training is on Sunday mornings at the same time as the minis (10am-12), with the first session for both teams on January 7 and there is no need to have played rugby before.
Everyone will get two free sessions and then if they wish to join the team their parents or guardians need to pay a £25 half year subscription.
Two vastly experienced coaches have been appointed. Sophie Bambridge played for Havant for nine years where she introduced a very successful girls, section. Recently returned to Norfolk she plays with Lakenham Hewett and the North Walsham tag team.
Richard Polley began coaching at Scottow around 20 years ago and was soon running the ladies' team before starting a girls' side which eventually amalgamated with Lakenham Hewett where he remains involved. Sophie and Richard will also be leading a Year 7 and 8 Girls' Rugby Day on February 28 to which local high schools have been invited.
As part of the Rugby Football Union's Inner Warrior campaign to promote rugby to girls the club have been selected to host a Warriors Camp on Sunday, January 21, starting at 10am.
Warriors Camps enable girls to experience rugby for the first time and check out whether they enjoy the sport. Attendees are introduced to rugby's basic skills - passing, kicking and tackling - and basic fitness routines.
For further information about the teams and Warriors Camp contact Mike Mack (mikestmack@gmail.com) or go to www.facebook.com/Walshamminis
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