Calling All University of Arts women.

by Neil Stacey

Thanks to the efforts of two students at Chelsea College of Art, University of the Arts London now have their very own women’s rugby team and they need new players.

So, whether you’re new to the game, looking for a new club or would just like to be part of a fun, enthusiastic team now’s your chance.

UAL Women’s Rugby is the work of Amanda Ford and Natasha Robertson, the new president and captain of the society.

Both keen rugby players themselves, they set up the team after noting: “There was no rugby team for the girls (at uni).”

With the help and support of the Student Union, a deal has been struck that now sees the girl’s team training on the same evening as the UAL men’s team over at London Wasps’ Twyford training ground on Ealing Common.

Beginning

Despite not having been formed in time to enter a BUCS league, the team train every Monday evening, 5.30–6.45 pm, with the intention of arranging friendly fixtures in the future.

The first training session was held last week, although disappointingly this week’s session was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

“We're not planning to do full 15-a-side, we want to play rugby sevens but are starting off with touch rugby, before going onto some contact next year,” said Amanda.

The girls are looking for any potential players, of all levels and experience so don’t worry if you’re new to the game:  “If you haven’t played before or don’t know anything about rugby don’t worry, Amanda reassures – "That’s what training’s for, it’s nothing too serious at the moment. It’s about having fun and getting fit more than anything.”

“It will have a good social side to it too,” adds Natasha “We want to get a lot of girls to come together and get involved.”

The girls are as good as their word, for despite only becoming an accredited society recently they’ve already organised their first event in the LCC Darkroom bar earlier this month.

At the moment there is no membership fee, although the girls predict that the registration fee will be around £20-25. Anyone interested in joining the UAL team, or wants more information, can contact the Amanda or Natasha by email - ualwomensrugby09@gmail.com - or visit their Facebook page ‘UAL Women’s Rugby '09.