Get her on the pitch

On Tuesday 10 girls from Year 9 and 10 were invited to go and train with The Harlequins at The Stoop in an initiative called To Get Her on the Pitch. It was about introducing the girls to the game of rugby and teaching them the skills needed for a game. The event was attended by a range of school and gave the girls an opportunity to work with other students from other schools within the London/Twickenham area. 

 At the very start they got to go into the players tunnel and run out onto the pitch to music and a guard of honour. They started the day off by playing games against five other schools. The games were all touch rugby and gave the girls an opportunity to understand how rugby is played using formations and teamwork. As the games went on the coaches and volunteers commented how well our girls were doing and that the progress they made in each game was excellent because they took all the feedback on board and worked well as a team. 

After lunch they had a question-and-answer session with three of the players from the ladies' team Lauren Torley, Danelle Lochner and Sarah Bonar. The players gave us an insight into what their days look like as rugby players with two of them explaining how they fit rugby in and around their careers. After this they went back out onto the pitch where they were able to practice a range of skills that are used in the games. These sessions were led by the players as well as Harlequin coaches. The girls focused on passing, tackling and kicking. The girls thoroughly enjoyed learning to tackle and were very enthusiastic when they were able to use the tackling pads and show their strength. 

Then at the very end of the day all the girls had the opportunity to get their t-shirt signed by the players as well as a team photo. The girls had a great time and engaged throughout. Some of the girls have even come away and have said how much they enjoyed the day and are considering getting involved in rugby.