Empowering women and girls: Letchworth Rugby Club launches Lionesses Academy

In a move towards further gender inclusivity and community development, Letchworth Rugby Club has proudly unveiled the Lionesses Academy.

Designed to foster a supportive environment for girls aged 11 and above, the academy represents the club's commitment to nurturing talent from its mini teams, promoting inclusivity, and empowering the next generation of female rugby players.

"The ladies section of the club has been most vibrant since its restart just before the Covid years," says Letchworth president Brian Burke.

"The growth in the Lionesses section has been truly remarkable and this initiative will no doubt add even more strength and depth to the ladies' game. Exciting times indeed."

At the heart of this initiative lies the club's dedication to providing opportunities for women and girls to thrive on and off the field.

With girl's training sessions scheduled every Sunday from 1130am to 1230pm, the Lionesses Academy offers a structured pathway for young players to develop their skills, build confidence, and forge lifelong friendships.

Girls are also encouraged to join the women's training sessions on Wednesdays from 730pm to 9pm, further integrating them into the club's vibrant community.

The club say: "The launch of the Lionesses Academy signifies a significant milestone in Letchworth Rugby Club's ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and diversity within the sport.

"Drawing inspiration from success stories like Sydney Gregson, a Saracens player also capped for England, began her rugby career at Letchworth several years ago when the club previously had a girls team.

"The club aims to provide a pathway for aspiring players to reach their full potential."

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious plans to collaborate with local schools, leveraging partnerships to introduce more girls to the sport and expand participation opportunities.

Through a combination of events/festivals and awareness campaigns, Letchworth Rugby Club seeks to raise the profile of women's and girls' rugby in the community, inspiring a new generation of players to take up the sport.

The club remains committed to working closely with the RFU to access resources, guidance, and support to ensure the success and sustainability of the Lionesses Academy.

With the RFU's backing, Letchworth Rugby Club aims to provide a welcoming supportive and safe environment, high-quality coaching, and equitable opportunities for all participants.

Letchworth add: "The benefits of women's and girls' rugby extend far beyond the field of play.

"From promoting physical fitness and mental well-being to fostering teamwork and leadership skills, rugby offers many developmental benefits for female players.

"By participating in the Lionesses Academy, girls have the opportunity to enhance their physical ability, resilience, and self-confidence, equipping them with valuable life skills that extend beyond the rugby pitch."

The launch of the Lionesses Academy represents a significant step forward for Letchworth Rugby Club in its mission to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and community engagement. As the club continues to expand its women's and girls' rugby programs, it invites players of all ages and backgrounds to join the movement and discover the transformative power of rugby. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl feels empowered, respected, and valued both on and off the field.

If you'd like to join us or for further information, you can email [email protected] or contact Danny on 07786 360212.