Melksham Rugby Club has launched an under-16s girls’ team, completing the club’s girls’ rugby pathway and creating a clear route for young players to progress into the Melksham Ladies’ team.
The new squad, the under-16s Fawns, builds on the success of the U12 and U14 Fawns teams and has been introduced a year earlier than planned due to overwhelming interest in girls’ rugby.
Head of girls’ rugby, Scott Simmons, established the club’s first U12 girls’ team in 2023 after recognising a gap in the pathway for young female players to progress into senior rugby.
With over 40 girls now regularly training and playing, the club expanded to include an U14 squad.
Now, with the addition of the U16s, the full development pathway into the senior women’s team is in place.
“As a group, the Melksham Fawns are so excited to be launching an U16s team next season at Melksham RFC,” says Scott Simmons. “This new squad, building on our success with the U12 and U14 teams, has come a year earlier than expected in our five-year plan, creating a direct pathway to our successful senior women’s team. We are, however, still looking for more players. Our model allows girls of all experience levels to join and develop their skills, so if you’re interested, please get in touch and give rugby a go!”
Head of ladies’ rugby and current head coach of Melksham Ladies, Hannah Berrelly, said, “Seeing the younger ladies’ teams grow within the club gives me such a sense of pride. Scott and his coaches have done a fantastic job in bringing the girls’ game to a really high standard and creating a pathway into Melksham Ladies rugby.
“For any girls out there thinking about playing rugby for the first time, come and give it a go! We all started somewhere. Melksham Rugby Football Club is a home to everyone, and the friends you make here will stay with you on and off the pitch. Here’s to another great season ahead for ladies’ rugby in Melksham!”
For more information, search for Melksham Rugby Minis & Juniors on Facebook or email youth.chairman@melkshamrugby.co.uk.
