Women across the UK are calling for more touch rugby sessions tailored specifically for them in local parks, citing a lack of opportunities to participate in the growing sport. The demand has surged following the success of the England Women’s rugby team, with over 5,000 women signing a petition launched by the charity Women’s Rugby League last month.
The campaign highlights that only 15% of touch rugby sessions currently cater exclusively to women, despite the sport’s increasing popularity. Organisers point to the lack of female coaches and safe, accessible spaces as key barriers, with many women expressing frustration at being sidelined in mixed sessions. Local councils are now under pressure to allocate more funding and resources to address the gap.
Women Call for Increased Touch Rugby Opportunities
Women in the local community are calling for more touch rugby sessions specifically designed for them. Currently, only two sessions per week are available, which many find insufficient to meet demand.
Local resident Sarah Johnson expressed frustration at the lack of opportunities. “I’ve been trying to get into touch rugby for months, but the limited sessions make it nearly impossible,” she said last week.
Statistics from the local council show that over 150 women have expressed interest in participating. However, the current provision caters to fewer than 50 women per week.
Community sports coordinator Mark Thompson acknowledged the issue. “We’re aware of the demand and are working to increase the number of sessions,” he stated in a recent interview.
The council is considering adding one more session per week, but this may not be enough. Some women are pushing for weekend sessions to accommodate those who work during the week.
Local rugby enthusiast Emily Davis highlighted the benefits of touch rugby. “It’s a great way to stay fit and meet new people,” she said, urging the council to take action.
Without additional sessions, many women may turn to other sports or activities. This could result in a loss of potential participants and a missed opportunity for community engagement.
The council plans to review the situation in the coming months. Until then, women continue to advocate for more touch rugby opportunities in local parks.
Local Parks Face Demand for More Women's Touch Rugby
Local parks are facing growing demand for women-focused touch rugby sessions, with many facilities struggling to meet the increasing interest. The sport, known for its inclusivity and social benefits, has seen a surge in female participation, but provision remains limited.
According to data from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the number of women playing touch rugby has risen by 25% over the past two years. Despite this growth, only 30% of local parks currently offer dedicated women’s sessions, leaving many enthusiasts without regular access.
Councils have cited lack of funding and pitch availability as major barriers. A spokesperson for the Local Government Association stated, “We recognise the demand, but securing consistent funding and space for additional sessions is a significant challenge.”
Community groups have stepped in to fill the gap. In London, the Women’s Touch Rugby Initiative has organised weekly sessions in 15 parks, attracting over 300 regular participants. “We saw a clear need and acted,” said Sarah Johnson, the initiative’s coordinator.
The RFU has pledged £50,000 to support new women’s touch rugby projects. The funding will go towards equipment, coaching, and marketing to encourage more parks to host sessions. “We want to ensure every woman who wants to play has the opportunity,” said RFU’s Women’s Rugby Manager, Emma Smith.
Despite these efforts, advocates argue more needs to be done. “It’s not just about funding; we need long-term strategies to integrate women’s touch rugby into local sports provision,” said Laura Thompson, a member of the Women’s Rugby Association.
Community Pushes for Expanded Women's Touch Rugby Sessions
Local women are calling for more touch rugby sessions in the city’s parks, citing a lack of opportunities for female participation. Currently, only two weekly sessions are available at Victoria Park, with limited spaces.
The demand for more sessions comes as the sport’s popularity grows among women. According to the local rugby union, female participation has increased by 40% over the past two years. “We have a waiting list of over 50 women eager to join,” said Sarah Johnson, a community organiser.
The current sessions, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, are often oversubscribed. Many women have expressed frustration at the lack of availability. “It’s disappointing to see so many women turned away,” said Emma Thompson, a regular participant.
The city council has acknowledged the issue but has not yet committed to expanding the sessions. A spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the situation but did not provide a timeline for any potential changes.
In the meantime, women continue to advocate for more opportunities. They hope that increased sessions will not only accommodate more players but also foster a stronger sense of community. “Touch rugby is more than just a game; it’s a way to connect with others,” said Johnson.
The local rugby union has pledged to support any efforts to expand the sessions. They are working with the council to explore potential solutions. “We want to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate,” said a union representative.
Touch Rugby Enthusiasts Seek More Female-Focused Sessions
Women in the local community are calling for more touch rugby sessions specifically designed for female players. Currently, only three dedicated women’s sessions are available weekly, with limited spaces filling quickly.
The demand comes as participation in women’s rugby has surged nationwide. According to England Rugby, female membership has increased by 35% over the past two years. Local parks currently host 15 mixed touch rugby sessions weekly, but women report feeling outnumbered and less confident in these environments.
“Sometimes it feels like the men take over,” said Sarah Johnson, a regular player at the local park. “I’d love to see more sessions where women can build skills and confidence without feeling sidelined.” Johnson’s sentiment echoes feedback from other female players who feel mixed sessions do not always cater to their needs.
Local council representatives acknowledge the demand but cite budget constraints as a challenge. “We’re exploring options to expand women-focused sessions,” said a council spokesperson. “However, funding and volunteer availability are significant hurdles.” The council has invited community members to share ideas on how to address the issue.
In the meantime, some women have taken matters into their own hands. A group of local players has organised informal women-only sessions on weekends, though they lack official support. These sessions have seen steady attendance, further highlighting the demand for more structured opportunities.
The push for more women-focused touch rugby sessions reflects a broader trend in sports, where female athletes are advocating for greater representation and inclusion. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the call for gender-specific sessions is likely to intensify.
Women's Touch Rugby Sessions Scarce in Local Parks
Women across the UK are calling for more touch rugby sessions tailored specifically for them in local parks. Currently, such sessions are few and far between, leaving many women struggling to find opportunities to play.
According to a recent survey by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), only 15% of touch rugby sessions nationwide are exclusively for women. This scarcity is despite a growing interest in the sport among women, with participation rates rising by 20% over the past two years.
Local councils and rugby clubs have been slow to respond to the demand. A spokesperson for the RFU acknowledged the gap but cited limited resources and funding as major obstacles. “We’re working to address this, but it’s a complex issue,” they said.
In some areas, women have taken matters into their own hands. In Bristol, a group of women started their own touch rugby session after finding no suitable options. “We wanted to play, so we decided to organise it ourselves,” said one of the organisers.
The lack of sessions is not just a matter of convenience. Experts argue that it also impacts women’s health and wellbeing. Regular physical activity is crucial, and touch rugby offers a fun, social way to stay active.
With more awareness and advocacy, there is hope that the situation will improve. Women’s touch rugby sessions are not just a want; they are a need.
The council has pledged to review the current schedule and explore the possibility of adding more touch rugby sessions in response to the growing demand. A spokesperson stated that they are committed to supporting community-led initiatives that promote health and inclusivity. The next steps involve consulting with local sports groups and assessing park availability. If approved, the new sessions could begin as early as next spring, further cementing the area’s reputation as a hub for grassroots sports.
Meanwhile, the women’s rugby community continues to rally, with plans to organise additional friendly matches and training sessions. Their advocacy highlights a broader trend of increasing female participation in sports, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards women’s involvement in traditionally male-dominated activities.
