Grassroots Initiatives Driving Increased Participation
The future of women’s rugby is undoubtedly bright, as grassroots initiatives across the globe are empowering female players, coaches, and leaders to take center stage. From community-based programs to international partnerships, the sport is witnessing a remarkable surge in female participation and representation, transforming the landscape of the game.
At the forefront of this movement is the Grassroots to Global Series, a collaborative effort between World Rugby and ChildFund Rugby. This innovative program brings together 30-35 emerging female leaders from rugby communities around the world, selected by their respective national unions. These participants engage in a powerful “Leadership Journey Mapping” process, which enables them to identify the key drivers and barriers they face in achieving rugby leadership roles.
“Grassroots to Global shows what’s possible when we empower girls and women in rugby,” explains Megan Knight, Deputy Director at ChildFund Rugby. “The initiative reveals both the challenges they face – from financial barriers to discrimination – and what keeps them engaged: especially the vital role of female coaches and community role models.”
By building a connected network of driven leaders across the women’s game, the Grassroots to Global Series is creating the foundation for rugby’s more equitable future. The program’s focus on grassroots development aligns seamlessly with the Gallagher High Performance Academy (GHPA), a global coaching and leadership initiative that is expanding opportunities for women at the elite level of the sport.
Overcoming Barriers to Women’s Leadership in Rugby
One of the key barriers to women’s leadership in rugby has been the persistent gender stereotypes and cultural perceptions that have historically hindered their involvement in the sport, both on and off the field. However, the Grassroots to Global Series is actively tackling these challenges head-on.
“To grow the game of rugby, we need more women in leadership roles,” emphasizes World Rugby’s Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox. “It’s great to have ChildFund Rugby and Gallagher onboard, who share a common goal to recruit more girls and women into coaching from the grassroots community level right the way through to the elite end of the game, through training, coaching, and mentoring.”
The Grassroots to Global forums provide a powerful platform for female coaches, players, and administrators to come together, share their experiences, and strategize ways to increase the visibility and representation of women in rugby leadership. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, the program empowers participants to overcome the societal and cultural barriers that have historically limited their opportunities.
The Impact of Women Leaders in Rugby
The transformative impact of women leaders in rugby is already being felt across the globe. From Cambodia, where the first-ever women’s rugby clubs have been established, to Brazil, where the sport is expanding into new communities, the Grassroots to Global initiative is driving tangible change.
“It’s inspiring to see the impact these sessions are already having,” says Horrox, “and we look forward to continuing to forge a strong pathway for female coaches alongside our partners on the road to 2025.”
The program’s focus on developing a pipeline of female coaches is particularly significant, as research has shown that the presence of women in coaching roles is a key driver in increasing female participation in the sport. By providing mentorship, training, and leadership development opportunities, the Grassroots to Global Series and the Gallagher High Performance Academy are ensuring that more women have the chance to thrive in rugby coaching and administrative roles.
Empowering Women Through Rugby: A Holistic Approach
The Grassroots to Global initiative and its partnership with the Gallagher High Performance Academy represent a holistic approach to empowering women in rugby. It goes beyond simply increasing participation; it’s about fostering a supportive ecosystem, building a culture of inclusion, and scaling the impact to reach communities around the world.
“Gallagher’s partnership and support of World Rugby aligns with our values as a company,” explains Christopher Mead, Gallagher’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The most recent GHPA Masterclass was a collaboration with ChildFund to bring new opportunities to young women who were looking to expand their presence in training and in the game. By providing a platform for female coaches to thrive, the GHPA is contributing to the advancement of women in rugby and setting the stage for a more diverse future in the sport on the international stage and at the grassroots level.”
This commitment to collaboration and partnership is crucial, as it allows the Grassroots to Global initiative to leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of various stakeholders, including national governing bodies, local organizations, and global brands like Gallagher. By working together, they are creating a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem that supports women’s leadership in rugby at all levels.
Grassroots to Global: Scaling the Impact
As the Grassroots to Global Series prepares for the next phase of its journey towards the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the program is poised to scale its impact and reach even more communities around the world. With over 30 additional forums planned across the globe in the coming months, the initiative is set to inspire and empower an even larger network of female rugby leaders.
The upcoming 5-day event at the Sunderland Stadium of Light, where Grassroots to Global representatives from every participating forum will come together, promises to be a powerful demonstration of the program’s collective impact. It’s a chance for these driven women to share their stories, celebrate their successes, and collectively chart the course for rugby’s more equitable future.
“By building a connected network of driven leaders across the women’s game, we’re creating the foundation for rugby’s more equitable future,” says Knight. “This isn’t just a program; it’s a movement.”
As the Aberdeenshire RFC community continues to champion the growth and development of women’s rugby, the Grassroots to Global Series stands as a shining example of what’s possible when we empower female leaders and provide them with the resources, support, and platforms they need to thrive. Together, we can ensure that the future of rugby is one where women are equally represented, celebrated, and empowered to lead the way.