Queens of Kingsclere’s Walking Rugby
In April this year, Kingsclere Rugby Club launched one of the country’s first women-only walking rugby teams.
Their existing walking rugby team had failed to attract any women and coach, Geoff Curtis, wanted the team to be mixed and attract novices as well as those who’d already played touch or contact rugby.
He said: “I realised that women who have never thrown a rugby ball before & don’t know anyone in the club, are very unlikely to come along. So I decided to create & advertise women-only training sessions.
For the first few weeks a couple of male coaches filled in to allow for a four-a-side game. They were soon surplus to requirements as the female playing numbers grew and grew.
Different walks of life
Michelle Ketteridge joined and soon loved it.
She said: “I haven’t played a team sport since school. But the sport was advertised as easy to learn, no experience needed, as fast as your body allows, and a great way to exercise while learning a new sport.
“I went along and felt so invigorated. I talked so passionately about it that friends came along, and the team grew through word of mouth.
“Everyone enjoys it and is so motivated to improve each week.”
The team now boasts 14 regular players ranging from those in their late 20s to those in their 60s.
Player Jen Ashworth, a mother of four, finds the rugby field is a space where she can be herself.
“On the pitch, you’re another human being rather than a mum.
“The team are real cheerleaders and from such different walks of life. Whether you’re a carer or a barrister, if someone does a good catch or dummy, we’re all celebrated just the same.”
Many players from the women-only team have used it as a stepping stone to mixed walking rugby, touch rugby and one has even gone on to play contact for Newbury Ladies.
Ashworth added: “I don’t think I would have gone along to play if there was only a mixed team. The women who have never touched a rugby ball before are starting from zero, whereas a lot of the men have played contact or touch before so have a base of skills and knowledge.
“The mixed game is faster and more skilful. I play in the mixed team as well now but only because I learnt and built my base in the women-only team.”
Challenging assumptions
Assistant coach Robin Ketteridge says: “Many of the women are now also playing in the mixed team and the men are loving the dynamism they bring and their love of the game too.
“The touching thing is watching the team building and the spirit of togetherness. After training, the group often stays around for ages.
“The women are challenging so many assumptions, not only in society but also in themselves.”
The club is keen to find other women’s walking teams to play against and would be happy to share their expertise in how they have built their team. Any enquiries, please contact Kingsclere Rugby Club.
