Morpeth School girls create new club squad
Morpeth School is the only school rugby club in Tower Hamlets. Established just over a year ago, it has been a huge success in empowering girls and the girls have even worked with East London RFC to provide a school to club pathway. They are proud of their school team which they have called MRFC BeReal.
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Sunnah, from Morpeth Girls RFC in a local newspaper article says: ”The girls' rugby club at Morpeth School is changing the perception of U18 girls' sport, and encouraging girls to become strong, self-confident, and independent young women! It is the biggest and fastest growing club at school and has provided a safe space for girls to come together to learn to play rugby. The team consists of girls from all the year groups and we play every Friday at the end of a tough week at school. Rugby has improved our game skills and our physical and mental wellbeing.”
Maliha who plays for East London Girls RFC and Morpeth Girls RFC explains how the players were eager for more rugby outside school.
“With the popularity of rugby within Morpeth School, our girls were ambitious for more. As no local clubs in the area offered girls rugby, we took on the responsibility ourselves. We worked with East London RFC to create a pathway from school to RFU club rugby! It has taken our skills to a new level and fosters the realism of professional rugby, with full-sized pitches and rugby goal posts - there is no doubt we have an international goal kicker in our midst! It also provides a community which allows the girls to express themselves both on the field and in real life.”
One of our senior players, Aneeqa says: “I first started rugby as a fun, stress relieving session with one of my friends. If you had told me how impactful this would become, I would have just laughed. I never expected that the rugby club would help me feel more confident in my own abilities and feel so proud of being part of an amazing team. As one of the hijabi members of the club, when I am playing rugby I feel empowered and unafraid to express my true self. I would recommend rugby to everyone; the Girls Rugby community will continue to grow.”
Joining the girls’ rugby squad at East London Rugby Club is free for everyone and the girls meet their school and club coach, John Mulholland, at Mile End station and travel as a team before a five-minute walk from West Ham Station. The club welcomes 11 to 18 year olds and focuses on leadership and the social culture within the sport.
“Our girls rugby clubs are not just clubs, but a movement - an incredible example of how sport can impact young women positively and help them build the skills they need to succeed in life.”
Any girls interested in playing can register their interest here.
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