Camp Hill can add a new team to their ranks this summer as the Club's Mom's get into action in order to raise funds for the maroon and sky blues.

Rumour has it one G&T too many was involved in galvanising Junior (Under 10’s) coach Annie Shepherd into rousing the troops…...whether or not this was strictly the case, the end result has been fantastic.

The idea originally stemmed from the Moms of the Club's Mini and Junior section getting involved, but word spread, and now all are welcome …...and…..4 sessions in the average training turn out is up to 14 ladies and counting (more than some 1st XV team's male or female)! From all walks of life and with ages ranging from 13yrs to 47yrs (so far) there's no stopping this group as they absorb skills and drills to show fast improvement.

"We are a group of ladies of various ages and sizes who were fed up of just watching a game from the side lines, we were determined to have a go ourselves" says Annie, "following a few phone calls, and ignoring the jokes from the men, we managed to get a team of ladies together who meet up every Tuesday. The coaches are superb, as well as patient, and not only are we learning new skills, getting fit and raising money for the club, but most importantly we are having fun!"

With the end-goal being to put on a demonstration tag game as a curtain raiser to the ladies 1st XV home season opener, the ladies are progressing full-steam ahead. "The main aim was to raise money for the club by having a one-off game, but as a result of the enthusiasm and commitment we are hoping that this initiative will continue over seasons to come. There may even be a possibility that we can challenge other local clubs for fun!" Annie advises.

Their competitive counter-parts, the 1st XV ladies, who have undertaken the coaching, are suitably impressed: "their enthusiasm and aptitude is what really stands out" says fullback Jo Kilby, "they train hard and have a lot of laughs along the way." In addition, from a development point of view: "we're getting ladies joining who have no previous experience of Camp Hill or rugby as a sport. This is a massive achievement and with such a unique venture being undertaken Camp Hill WRFC really can claim to offer the complete playing opportunity for all, from juniors through to seniors, from competitive to social status, with no age limit in between."

For anyone interested the sessions are run from Camp Hill RFC every Tuesday (7-8.30pm) just come on down (or see website for more details www.chrfc.co.uk) or contact Annie for more info (07843 281332) - why not give it a try?

Labels: rugby