Harrogate Rugby Club (HRUFC) Ladies team is hoping to capitalise on its recent success to attract new members when it hosts a Pitch up and Play event on Sunday 28 June and Sunday 2 August.
Pitch up and Play is an initiative launched by the RFU (Rugby Football Union) to encourage greater participation in the women’s game. The event is also a chance to play at HRUFC’s new ground at Rudding Lane ahead of the new season in September.
Harrogate Rugby Club Ladies team was formed five years ago by Laura Symmonds. The team now has 26 registered members and has recently gained league status in the National North 2 League.
Laura Symmonds, who formed the ladies team because she became bored of watching her husband from the touchline, said:
With excitement building ahead of the men’s World Cup in September and rugby featuring in the Olympics for the first time next year, there has never been a more exciting time to get involved with rugby.
You don’t need any previous experience of playing rugby to join, just come along and have a go.
The team is currently being coached in a voluntary capacity by Tom Gilchrist, Rugby Development Coach for England. They train twice a week and also hold strength and conditioning and touch rugby sessions.
The Pitch up and Play event on Sunday 28 June runs from 12noon to 2pm and is open to all.
On Tuesday 30 June Harrogate Rugby Club will host an open day for the local community. Lucky locals can get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of its brand new club house and grounds at Rudding Lane over cake and a cuppa.
Harrogate Rugby Club continues to raise funds for the new ground and is still seeking sponsorship. The new facilities at Rudding Lane will be officially opened in September.
For more information visit www.harrogaterugby.com or contact Laura Symmonds lsymmonds82@gmail.com
