180 girls take place in schools girls rugby festival!

A celebration of girls' rugby took place on the 11th October as Bedford Blues Foundation hosted a tournament featuring 180 girls between year 7 - year 10.

The event, organised by Bedford Blues Foundation and the Bedford School Sport Partnership, in collaboration with Bedford Blues Women, was a resounding success, showcasing the talent, enthusiasm, and in the spirit of rugby from across the town.

The tournament brought together teams from various local schools, providing an opportunity for these young girls to demonstrate their rugby skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. From intense matches to moments of teamwork and camaraderie, the event embodied the values of rugby and the growing movement to empower young women through physical activity.

Earlier this year Bedford Blues Foundation have been successful in securing a grant from England Rugby to develop girls rugby ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in England with Northampton a venue for a number of games throughout the tournament. This festival was a great opportunity to showcase girls rugby and inspire the next generation of female rugby players.

Speaking about the tournament, Ben Wiggins, Community Rugby Manager from Bedford Blues Foundation expressed their pride in hosting such an impactful event. "We are thrilled to see so many girls participating in our sport and giving their best on the field. Events like this are essential for promoting girls’ rugby and inspiring the next generation of female players."

14-year-old Emma, shared her excitement about the event. "It was amazing to be part of such a big tournament with so many girls my age. Playing rugby has given me confidence and strength, and today was all about having fun and challenging myself alongside my friends."

The tournament emphasised the importance of providing such platforms for young girls, aiming to create more opportunities for them to engage with sports, develop new skills, and build self-confidence. Both organisations expressed their commitment to continuing these initiatives, ensuring that more girls have the chance to experience the joy and benefits of rugby.