Coventry College launches scheme to develop the next generation of female rugby players

A programme which is the first of its kind in Coventry and will help develop the next generation of female rugby players has been launched.

Coventry College will be running a bespoke rugby union programme for female athletes from September – as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

The programme will be open to female rugby union athletes between the ages of 16 and 18 that are studying at the college on a wide range of study programmes.

It will offer guidance with nutrition, physio support, performance analysis and strength and conditioning – supporting their development within their rugby clubs outside of college life.

Participants will be able to work towards a range of RFU qualifications, with initiatives including Rugby Ready and Scrum Factory, and also develop other life skills such as first aid qualifications including work experience opportunities.

It follows the success of the men’s programme at Coventry College, which was set-up in 2006 and is now an official college partner of Wasps Academy.

The programme aims to work closely with rugby clubs in the Coventry and Warwickshire area and provide a pathway for the further development of athletes.

Pete Glackin, Head of Rugby at Coventry College, said: “We want to provide opportunities, working alongside local rugby clubs, to offer bespoke opportunities to continually develop young female rugby players in the city.

“We’re providing an opportunity to improve their skills and build their knowledge and understanding of the sport which will also support their academic journey while studying at Coventry College”.

“There is a clear demand for a programme such as this. Local clubs are running successful female teams at all age levels now, with participation levels on the rise.

“The men’s programme has been a great success for 13 years and we hope in time this new initiative will strive to replicate that.

“It will work around the weekly timetable of the students and work in tandem with their full-time courses at either of our Henley or City campuses.

“We feel that this model will be mutually beneficial to local clubs and give them a platform to progress their own players.”

The academy already has its first star in Lucia Chapman, 17, who joins in addition to her sports science studies at Coventry College’s Henley site.

She said: “I have been playing rugby for around five years now and it is growing all the time, especially over the last couple of years.

“This is the perfect time to launch a female rugby provision and I think this will do great things for female rugby in the area.”