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Girls CAN Rugby.
We are delighted that over 650 girls throughout British Columbia signed up for the free Girls Can Rugby Day tryouts hosted by BC Rugby Clubs on March 6 and April 23. A total of 18 Clubs throughout BC held events, including 9 in the Lower Mainland, 4 on Vancouver Island and 5 in the Northern and Interior regions.
GIRLS CAN RUGBY: THE INITIATIVE
In the year of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we want to see more girls under the age of 14 playing Rugby in a positive environment at Clubs throughout BC. This age range is traditionally dominated by male players and we aim to readdress this balance and encourage more girls-only programming offered by Clubs going forward.
Girls Can Rugby is an initiative launched by BC Rugby aimed at inspiring more girls to play Rugby in a positive and enjoyable environment at local Clubs throughout BC.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8th, BC Rugby Clubs from Campbell River to Fort St John hosted a Girls Can Rugby Day – a free tryout welcoming girls aged 5-14 – which was enjoyed by over 650 girls!
“Thank you to all Clubs, Volunteers, parents, and participants who made this day possible. These numbers are extremely encouraging. This is a positive first step in readdressing the balance and achieving our aims of seeing more girls-only programming offered at BC Rugby Clubs going forward.” BC Rugby CEO Annabel Kehoe
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport in helping launch the Girls Can Rugby initiative.
What can I expect at a Girls Can Rugby event?
Lots of fun! There will be several activities for players to enjoy, such as learning to pass and kick a Rugby ball, as well as time for parents to ask Club members about the programs they offer.
Visiting a Girls Can Rugby Day near you is a great opportunity to learn about a new sport in a positive and safe environment, as well as meeting new people in your community.
What do you need to bring on the day?
- Wear comfortable activewear
- Dress for the weather! Bring a raincoat or toque in case.
- You can wear sneakers or other cleats. Some events are indoors and some are outside.
- A water bottle
- Snacks
- Most importantly – bring a smile!
Why Play Rugby – Is It Safe?
Rugby is the perfect sport for girls. Not only is it safe and inclusive – it’s affordable.
It is an active sport for people of all shapes and sizes: there is a place for everyone on a Rugby field. Teamwork and working together helps create bonds and friendships that last a lifetime! There is a form of the game to suit everyone – whether you aspire to be Canada’s next Olympian or just want to play for fun.
Mini Rugby is primarily non-contact, with the emphasis on having fun and learning news skills!
Rugby offers a world of opportunity and opens many doors, especially for junior players! Many of Canada’s greatest players were in high school when they picked up a Rugby ball for the first time. Lots of our Member Clubs offer Age-Grade programs for juniors, while there are many great high school and university programs throughout BC – many of which offer fantastic scholarships!
“As a high school teacher and girls Coach, I have introduced Rugby to girls over and over again. They fall in love with the sport. They love that there is a position for them, no matter their current fitness level and body type: Rugby needs lots of players, so everyone who wants to play gets to play. I love to see their confidence and self esteem grow.”
“Rugby is inclusive, fun and challenging. There is a position for everyone. Rugby will provide you with many opportunities in life, no matter if you want to play for Canada or your local Club. You will meet people that will become friends for life.”
“There is a lot of talent in these small towns and it shows why Club Rugby is so important to BC communities. Not only is it a chance to get out, get the boots on and play some games or play some Touch – it’s the Club atmosphere that helps you get to where you are.”
BC Rugby
A: 2015 Main Street, Vancouver, BC | V5T 0J8
T: 604.737.3065
E: info@bcrugby.com
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
