More than 70 women and girls from five West of Scotland rugby clubs headed to Waysiders/Drumpellier Rugby Club for a festival aimed at inspiring new players to take up the game.
And the club also made a little bit of history as the event saw Waysiders’ senior women’s XV playing their first ever game as a full team.
Royal Bank Young Ambassador Molly Gribben hosted the event at the Langloan club on Sunday, October 30, in an effort to inspire more women and girls into the sport during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Greenock Wanderers, Lenzie, Paisley, West of Scotland and Hamilton rugby clubs attended the festival, which offered girls aged 12 to 16 the chance to play competitive games, with many taking their first steps in the sport.
There was plenty of good news for Waysiders/Drumpellier as their junior teams also won each of their matches throughout the day, a remarkable effort given that some were playing their first competitive games.
The Royal Bank Young Ambassador programme aims to help clubs across Scotland strengthen their ties with local communities, and make positive societal change.
Royal Bank RugbyForce is now in its 14th year and continues to support grassroots rugby clubs and committees up and down the country. Since launch, more than half a million pounds has been distributed, directly benefiting 75 per cent of amateur rugby clubs in Scotland.
As one of 15 national winners, Molly received a £500 grant to fund the festival, and receive training on how to promote Waysiders/Drumpellier to a new audience.
Molly said: “Encouraging more women and girls through the door is so important to the future of our team.
“We have been working tirelessly to give as many new players as possible to give the sport a try.
“Seeing the turnout of both players and spectators on Sunday made me feel extremely proud and excited for the season to come, as our team is bigger and stronger than ever.
“From funding to training, being a part of Royal Bank’s Young Ambassador programme has given me the tools and experience needed to support more women and girls to develop their own skills and abilities.”
Judith Cruickshank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotland Board, said: “A massive congratulations to Molly on such a successful and meaningful event.
“Supporting the future of grassroots rugby across Scotland is an integral part of our commitment to Scotland.
“I look forward to seeing more from this season’s squad of Young Ambassadors.”
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