Swindon Rugby Club Launches Campaign for Girls‘ Team Changing Room
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Swindon,England – August 22,2025 - A youth rugby team in Wiltshire is spearheading a campaign to secure dedicated changing facilities,underscoring the increasing demand for equitable resources in girls’ and women’s sports. The under-12 girls’ squad at Swindon Rugby Football Club has initiated fundraising efforts to build a safe and private changing room, currently lacking for the team.
The Need for Inclusive Facilities
kevin Goacher, coach of The Roses girls’ team, explained the challenges faced by his players.He noted the discomfort and lack of inclusivity stemming from the absence of a dedicated space for the team, both during home and away games. “We’ve got a sport that we’re saying ‘girls, you can come to train and be part of this club, but you haven’t got a changing room’,” Goacher stated. “It’s not right – it’s not fair.”
The team aims to raise £10,000 to create a secure and pleasant environment for its players. This initiative extends beyond the immediate needs of the Swindon club, representing a broader call for improved facilities for girls in rugby nationwide.
Did You Know? Participation in rugby among girls and women has seen significant growth in recent years, wiht England rugby reporting a 28% increase in registered female players between 2019 and 2023.
A Growing Sport, A Growing Need
Swindon Rugby Football Club established its under-12 girls’ team two years ago, and it has quickly become a popular fixture, with young athletes participating weekly. Goacher also leads a “Tiny Tacklers” program for younger players, ages five and six, demonstrating the club’s commitment to developing the sport at all levels. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “I’d love to see one of our girls putting on an international jersey in the future.”
The club is planning two “Love Rugby” tournaments this year to introduce the sport to younger players and raise funds for the changing room project. Additional fundraising efforts include contributions from club sponsors and bake sales organized by the team.
Funding Challenges and RFU Investment
Goacher highlighted the financial hurdles faced by many clubs in providing adequate facilities for women’s teams. He pointed to a lack of dedicated funding from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as a contributing factor. The RFU, however, has announced a four-year, £14.5 million investment program, including £7 million allocated to improving facilities at 573 clubs across the country, with a focus on enhancing the female player experience.
An RFU spokesperson emphasized the importance of the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in accelerating progress. “The World Cup will play a central role in empowering real change, enriching local communities, championing gender equity and inspiring people at all levels of the game through our domestic legacy program Impact’25,” they said.
Pro Tip: Clubs seeking funding for facility improvements should explore grant opportunities offered by national governing bodies like the RFU and local sports councils.
The Wider Impact of Inclusive Spaces
The campaign at Swindon Rugby Football Club reflects a broader movement towards greater inclusivity in sports. Research suggests that access to appropriate facilities is crucial for encouraging female participation and fostering a sense of belonging. Women in Sport, a leading advocacy group, emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming and supportive environments for women and girls in all sports.
| key Campaign Details | Information |
|---|---|
| fundraising Goal | £10,000 |
| Team | Swindon Rugby Football Club U12 Girls’ team |
| RFU Investment (total) | £14.5 million (over four years) |
| RFU Facility Investment | £7 million (to 573 clubs) |
What steps can other sports clubs take to ensure equitable access to facilities for female athletes? How can communities rally to support initiatives like this one in Swindon?
Evergreen Context: The Rise of Women’s Rugby
the growth of women’s rugby is a global phenomenon, driven by increased visibility, professionalization, and a growing number of female players.The sport has experienced a surge in popularity following prosperous international tournaments, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup. This momentum is creating a demand for improved infrastructure and resources to support the expanding player base. The push for better facilities is not merely about comfort; it’s about signaling respect and valuing the contributions of female athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary goal of the Swindon Rugby Club campaign? The campaign aims to raise £10,000 to build a dedicated changing room for the U12 girls’ rugby team.
- How is the Rugby Football Union (RFU) supporting facility improvements? The RFU is investing £14.5 million over four years,with £7 million specifically allocated to improving facilities at clubs nationwide.
- Why are dedicated changing rooms crucial for female athletes? Dedicated changing rooms provide a safe, private, and comfortable space for female athletes, fostering inclusivity and encouraging participation.
- What is the “Impact’25” program? Impact’25 is the RFU’s domestic legacy program linked to the Women’s Rugby World Cup,focused on empowering change and championing gender equity.
- how can people support the Swindon Rugby Club’s fundraising efforts? Individuals can contribute through club sponsorships, participation in fundraising events like bake sales, or by attending the “Love Rugby” tournaments.
We hope this story inspires you to champion inclusivity and support the growth of women’s sports in your community. Share this article with your network, leave a comment below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful coverage.
