Dorset & Wilts Super Cluster develops super girls
Dorset and Wilts Super Cluster is providing excellent development opportunities and match experience for girls who want to play rugby. Having launched with 37 players three years ago, the first session this season saw 130 girls involved.
Having launched with 37 players three years ago, the first session this season saw 130 girls involved.
Throughout the season there will be nine days, one each month, hosted at the clubs involved enabling girls whose clubs might not have a full team to play competitive rugby. In a CB of 2,000 square miles, this scheme covers a significant area and also raises funds for the Wooden Spoon charity at each session.
Says Brett Bader, the Dorset and Wilts Women and Girls chair: “Girls’ rugby is now very popular but sometimes when they have been part of mixed teams in the minis girls want to stay together and not move to a club with more numbers.
“Super Cluster sessions are breaking down barriers and showing that we all want the same thing – a good game of rugby. Warminster and Devizes for example have combined as Devminster and the girls decide which kit to wear each week on the pitch.
“There is huge interest from girls, and we provide the opportunity to develop their game and prepare for county trials, which we hold in January so that they have experienced county level training already. Last time we had 150 at trials and we continue to run the Super Cluster sessions when county teams are playing so that the girls get the same level of coaching. If they don’t get into county teams first time, we make sure they know there are chances in the future and that this just may not have been their year, lots may have been trialling for their preferred position.
“We are hoping to host our final Super Cluster of this season at Bath, and they are helping us with coach development and are keen to provide a pathway for our girls. Eight players from Dorset and Wilts already play in the Premier XVs. Having the RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney and the women’s and girls’ Council representative Lou Latter at our first session of the season meant a lot as this is in the top three of the Dorset and Wilts agenda.”
Brett says his own two daughters are a useful litmus test of whether he’s getting it right and that, with a committee of all women, he is intent on working himself out of the role.
“We need to be growing the presence of women in all roles in the game,” he says. “It’s not just about developing players but leaders across the board.”
And it’s not just about the sport either, team managers, coaches and girls have had life skills training in such areas as first aid and mental health.
Says Brett: “For us it’s about life, with rugby as the vehicle delivering it.”
