Girls’ rugby academy calls for more players

A new academy at Melksham Rugby Club for girls aged 16 to 18 and is calling for more players to join.

The Under-18 academy runs alongside the club’s senior women’s first and second teams. It is designed to strengthen the pathway from youth rugby, giving players the chance to progress from the club’s girls’ teams to competitive senior rugby.

Team Manager Becs Lamb said, “It has been a fantastic start to the U18s Academy. Training alongside our Women’s team opens up huge opportunities to the players for development as they move towards senior rugby.

“That said, we are looking for more players to join and really want to give a wider network of players the opportunity to bridge the gap between U16s rugby and senior women’s rugby so we can keep players in the game.”

No prior experience is needed, as the club welcomes players of any ability. Girls who have never picked up a rugby ball are encouraged to come along and try the sport in a friendly, inclusive setting.

Girls who already play can train alongside the senior squad, improve their skills and work towards a potential future in National Challenge 1 (NC1) rugby.

The club said the academy is about more than developing players on the pitch. Through rugby, players can learn communication, teamwork, resilience and leadership, and form lasting friendships. Team sport can also support physical health, mental wellbeing and self-belief, along with a sense of belonging both on and off the field.

By establishing a clear route into its senior women’s teams, the club hopes to build on the growth of women’s rugby in Melksham.

Girls aged 16 to 18 who are interested in joining can contact the club at melkshamladiesrfc@outlook.com