The third in the series of ‘An Interview with…..’

Nothing more needs to be said except the growth of our girl’s and ladies section has been phenomenal.

Q. I think it is fair to say you have been instrumental in getting girl’s rugby off the ground at Crowborough. What inspired you to take on the task.

A. I have 2 boys and originally volunteered to help coach their age groups whilst they were in the minis as standing watching wasn't for me. I was then asked to coach the teenage girls. I responded that we didn’t have any - that became my challenge.
 
Q. What were the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

A. The first few years it was all about keeping the girls interested especially when we didn't have the numbers to form our own team to play matches so we clustered with other teams and held tournaments where players from a number of clubs would combine so all girls had match experience.
 
Q. You haven’t done this alone, so how have you motivated other volunteers to become involved?

A. Absolutely I haven’t. Initially I was overwhelmed with the support from the Friday Club such as ensuring there was always a changing room for the girls and always being asked how the girls were doing. I think it was fair to say we probably had more than our fair share of A pitch matches in those early years as everyone at the club was keen to promote the girls and what better stage than in front of the clubhouse for all to watch. The support from all areas of the club has been brilliant - Jacqui and Louise have been huge supporters especially when we started midweek training for the girls ensuring they could stay have pasta after training. It really hasn’t been difficult to motivate others to help. The girls are a fantastic bunch and as the majority have only played for a few years they appreciate they still have a lot to learn and really focus in training and always keen to do their best - it's all a coach could hope for! I've been really lucky that a number of the girls who play have Dads who play or have played rugby - most for Crowborough and they have all been keen to get involved and are now all running the squads from U12 -18. They really are an amazing bunch of coaches.
 
Q. It is clear you were successful so what is your wish for the future with regard to the girls game at Steel Cross?

A. I would like to see full playing squads at every age group and the women's team we have developed grow in numbers. I want every girl in Crowborough to know we have a team for their age group and for them all to have the opportunity to come along and give rugby a go and that whether they continue or not I want them to have enjoyed the experience and always feel that they are welcome at the club in the future whether as a player or supporter. Girls have the opportunities now to achieve so much in sport and on a much more even playing field. Any form of activity or sport is so beneficial to everyone of all ages but playing a team sport brings so many extra benefits such as developing social skills and learning team skills such as compromise and being able to be relied upon and relying on others that whether it is rugby or not my passion is that all girls play some team sport that they can enjoy
 
Q. How is the success at girl’s level translating into the women’s game at CRFC. Do we have a women’s side, and if yes how is that going?

A. It's brilliant. The younger girls in the minis watch the older girls' matches so they can see the progression for them and several of our U18s help coach the younger age groups. A vision Adam Bavin and I have been working on for a couple of years is finally coming to fruition as we now have a women's team this season (our first match is 16th November at East Grinstead) the older girls know they have a rugby team to continue playing for when they reach 18. I cannot thank Adam enough for making this happen!
 
Q. What impact do you think the Red Roses winning the Women's RWC will have on the game and club?

A. The Red Roses are incredibly relatable and approachable. At World Cup games the players would stay on the pitch afterwards signing autographs and chatting to supporters and they all post on social media so the girls can relate to them which only encourages them to play. I think it is fabulous that girls can have such healthy role models. Sarah Berns as one example has really promoted girls and women being proud, as she is, to be big and powerful.
 
Q. Whilst the laws of the game are same, do you see many differences in how the game is played by the girls/women versus the boys/men?

A. Women don’t have the same strength as men, fact, so technique has to factor in more. At the lower levels it is less of a kicking game so fewer lineouts and passing has to be spot on.
 
Q. How can the club help to maintain the growth of the girls/women’s game at Steel Cross?

A. We need to look at our facilities and ensure we future-proof the club. Changing rooms and pitch space are becoming an issue for the club as a whole.
 
Q. If you were to pick a couple of highlights from the outset of the program to get girls rugby up and running to now what would they be.

A. The first tournament we held in 2018 when it was pouring with rain and I thought it just wouldn't happen but it did and the feedback was great. The girls loved it once I could drag them out of the changing room. EVERY awards night when I see the more and more girls at the club celebrating their successes and how much they enjoy each other's company on and off the pitch.
 
Q. Finally, gazing into a crystal ball how will you measure success in say three seasons time?

A. Seeing growth in all our squads and Crowborough being recognised as a great club to join for the coaching capability and great community atmosphere. Also hosting a sell-out league lunch for a Women's game (I need to have been kicked out of the team by then) but also the local community coming down to watch the women and girls play as it is entertaining rugby.