Warminster Pink Panthers RFC – Women and Girls Rugby


The development of Warminster Pink Panthers 3 years ago is proof that not all of the most inclusive and prolific sports clubs start off with a structured and planned launch, are often organically grown, and require someone with great enthusiasm and determination to make them successful. Rugby coach Claire MaCarron noticed a small number of girls waiting at Warminster Rugby club whilst their brothers and siblings played in games or took part in training. They either had to wait around during the session because of the logistics of transport or said that they felt intimidated about getting involved in the same group as the boys. Claire was already a level 1 rugby coach and took it upon herself to encourage the girls to join in a small informal session with her. That session started with just 4 players but over the coming weeks and months, she saw numbers grow at an incredible rate. Claire joked that:


“Every week to warm up the girls would jog around the pitch and parents and other coaches would have a running joke about how many new players there were, as the group of girls continued to get bigger and bigger.”


Satellite Clubs


This year has enabled us to grow and sustain our network of Satellite Clubs. There are currently over 120 clubs running throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. The great news for local schools, colleges and other organisations is that we have been awarded delivery funding to help get new projects started until April 2021.


WASP intends to allocate the first year’s funding (till 31st March 2020) by 31st December 2019. Therefore, organisations wanting support to help establish a new session, satellite


8 Wiltshire and Swindon Relay


or new hub club in the near future should get in touch with us before this date.


We are more than happy to help identify and discuss the feasibility of a project, pull unfamiliar clubs, schools or other organisations together where appropriate, whilst putting a support and financial package on the table for them if they meet the criteria. We are happy to work both directly with a delivery organisation and or with yourselves to enhance the offer available to participants.


Most importantly, the target audience we are looking to reach should be predominantly (but not necessarily exclusively) young people aged 14-19 who are not regularly active and include at least one of the below groups:


• Women and Girls • Black and Minority Ethnic • Low Socio-Economic background • Disability • Where there is evidence of demand for new activity


For more information


about the programme please see the section on our website for details


http://www.wiltssport.org.uk/get- support/satellite-clubs


If you would like to discuss the support available or any aspect of the programme please feel free to get in touch with simon@wiltssport.org 07717 666939


The sessions offered girls an opportunity to try something different from the normal activities available to them within the local school and community. There was no other local girl’s rugby section in the area and the local secondary school didn’t provide opportunities for girls to play rugby within or outside of the curriculum, making it challenging for them to experience rugby for the first time.


The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport (WASP) got involved helping to provide funding and support which added to the local buzz and word of mouth driving numbers of girls trying the sport. The RFU supported Claire to develop links with Kingdown School and helped with delivery.


The first taster session at Kingdown school was attended by 46 girls aged 11-16 who wanted to try rugby. Since then the club averages around 30 participants making it one of the most successful Satellite Clubs which continues to provide a positive impact on so many participant’s lives. The school fully embraced and supported the


formation of the extra-curricular club and due to its success have since incorporated girl’s rugby into their curriculum offer. WASP funding has helped provide equipment and training to assist with ongoing delivery.


Claire has shaped the club to be enthusiastically encouraging of all young people regardless of their ability levels or any disabilities. Two young girls who are on the autistic spectrum started playing rugby regularly at the club. The mother of one of the girls received a phone call from the school because they were overwhelmed with the positive difference in her attitude and behaviour saying:


“She goes to rugby on a Sunday and all she talks about at school on Monday is rugby. She is calmer, more focused and engaging better in class as


a result of being part of the club and playing rugby.”


The parents were so happy and added that the girls at school aren’t scared if they have any problems. There is a ‘big sister, little sister’ feel to the membership because the training covers a wide range of school years and age groups, so the players all know each other.


As a result of the continued push to overcome traditional barriers and stereotypes, the community sessions have continued to steadily grow in numbers allowing development of an Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18 squad.


In recognition of the impact made by Claire, she was awarded RFU National Volunteer for the Year Award in 2018.


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