Women In Sport: Bletchley Rugby Club

As a network supporting, inspiring and empowering all City Girls, it’s important to us to give you every guide to your city. There is still an ongoing fight for the support in Women’s Sports Clubs but we are thriving, we are only getting louder.

MK Girl were recently invited to Bletchley Women’s Rugby Club, a local club in Milton Keynes who meet up every Wednesday for training and they even managed to get some interviews!

The support, guidance and true meaning of team work did not go unnoticed on the day and we wanted to give you some inspiration if Rugby is someone you wanted to try out or get back into in Milton Keynes.

Charlotte, Regional Manager of MK Girl said ‘Before I even spoke to the team you could see family, you could see the support and you can see the courage to keep going. The true meaning of sportsmanship was highlighted, some struggled at the end of training and the power of the teams encouragement had them up on their feet and running towards the finish line with cheers in the background the could be heard for miles’.

MK Girl interviewed some members of the team who has been there for years are just starting out. Video interviews can be found on their Social Media channels, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

I’m Beth, I’ve been playing at Bletchley for 12 years, playing Rugby for 14 years.

What do you enjoy the most about Rugby?

I think i enjoy the fact there is a postiion for everyone. So, I fluxuated in size all my life through all levels so there was always a space for me on the pitch whether i’m in the backs or fowards and everyone is really friendly.

Do you have advice for people who are beginners and want to try Rugby?

The most important thing to remember is when you come down noone is going to make you play a game as soon as you arrive, everyone is new once and we all know that, it can be scary to tackle, it can be scary to step on the pitch, it can be scary to meet new people. If you are new we would always offer to meet you in the carpark or invite you to a social first and you won’t play a game till you ready. We had someone join us last summer and they didn’t play a game till the last game of the season which was April, they loved it and we were gutted they didn’t start sooner but they weren’t ready until then and this year they are going to smash it.

My name is Donna, I’ve been at the club for 4 years, going into my 5th season now.

Why did you start, why this club?

I joined this club because I moved to Milton Keynes from the North East, I’ve been here a couple years at that point but it was just work home, work home. I knew I needed to find something that was going to help me to make friends outside of work, in MK, have a social life, a bit of fun, fitness as well because I am big in to sport and also be part of a team, a community.

What’s your favourite memory so far?

Season 21/22 I played nearly every single game in the season, only missed on a few. I got a lot game time which helped me build more confidence, and then out of my surprise at our end of season do, I was presented with the most improved players award. I was sat there listening to them talking about it and had no clue until she said my name and then I was like WOW, I was emotional because I didn’t expected but obviously really proud of myself for getting that.

My name is Sam, I started training with Bletchley Rugby Club, July last year.

What is your advice for beginners?

I feel like I was a beginner again. The last time I played I was in my teens but my advice, enjoy yourself. I enjoy it thoroughly every time I come down to play, We work really well as a team and it’s great for building confidence and fitness

How did you find coming back into Rugby after time out?

Okay, I’ll be honest my first couple of sessions I was a little tired but now, that I consistently come every week my fitness levels have gotten a lot better. Even if we were losing, as a team we will be still smiling. We could be 70 points down and we would still be smiling, got each others back and cheering each other on.

My names Kirsty and I’ve been playing with Bletchley for nearly two years now.

What would be your advice for beginners?

Give it a go. My first ever session I didn’t play and everyone was amazing, there’s no such thing as a stupid question, if it doesn’t feel safe to you, don’t do it and just get stuck in and have fun!

Can you give one of your favourite memories of being part of the club so far?

My favourite memory would be my first home game. I played one away game as my first ever game, I was only on for about 10 minutes but at home, it was such a great atmosphere. So encourage to get on the pitch and join in, give it your best shot attitude. I messed up one pass but there was no ‘that was terrible’, it was ‘Pick yourself up and go again’.

My names Ellen, I’ve been here for 6, maybe 7 seasons so far. I started when I was 15 and now on the womens team.

What’s the story of starting Rugby?

I never imagined that I would play Rugby. One day we were at home and my dad was watching the Rugby on the TV and I asked him ‘Can girls play that?’ and he said yes, I was adamant I wanted to give it okay so we found a local team and here I am.

What is your favourite memory?

We do really fun socials! We had one social where we dressed up animals from Noah’s Ark and had a social at the club, it all had to be handmade costumes as well, it was so funny and we got creative.

How to join?

if you fancy coming to training to try the sport or you are returning we train on Wednesday evening at 7pm, please inbox me for more details. We welcome all abilities and ages too.

Written and interviewed by Charlotte Moyle.

Do you run a Women’s sports club in Milton Keynes or want to know how you can support women in sport? Email charlotte@citygirlnetwork.com