Reformed Oakham Girls Rugby team set up GoFundMe page

Published: 08:00, 11 March 2020

A girls' rugby team which recently reformed is breaking stereotypes as its membership is rapidly growing.

The Oakham Owls rugby team started in November with 18 players and has since doubled in size.

For its first season, the group - which welcomes all abilities - is working on exercise, skills, confidence and teamwork as well as having fun.

The girls train alongside other players at Oakham RFC from 10am until 12pm on a Sunday.

Kev Howley, head coach, said: “There’s a lot of support from the club.

“It’s a great advantage for the girls as they are treated as equals rather than an afterthought.”

He added: “We are trying to break the stigma that you have to be big and built like an ox to play rugby.

“Everybody will have a role to play.”

The reformed group offers training for under 11s, under 13s, under 15s and under 18s.

The teams are aiming to raise £3,000 to buy kit shirts, team bags, subs suits and additional balls.

Money left over will help to assist players that may need financial assistance with team membership or kit.

So far the team has raised more than £1,100 and donations can be made by visiting their GoFundMe page.

Kev, 49, said: “It’s a fun group - we are always looking for new players, volunteer coaches and supportive parents.”

He added: “My mission is for over 100 girls to join.

“There is clearly a market for girls to do more sports.”

The club have released a YouTube video documenting some of their team's values and what it's like to be part of Oakham Owls.