“This award from the Financial Support Fund really will make a huge difference to me. The funding process, which only took two weeks was incredible, from submitting an application to receiving my brand new, boots, just awesome! I will no longer fear putting on my old boots for a 1.5hr training session knowing that I will barely be able to walk the next day or even worse, injure myself in the way that I did a couple of months ago”. Aimee
How has the CSSC support helped?
When I started training a year ago I wasn’t sure if it would be something that I would continue with. I bought a cheap pair of boots to get me started however I soon became injured with damaged tendons to the top of my foot due to ill fitting boots. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the majority of boots available are male specific or made using a male mould then shrunk to ‘fit’ and labelled as female specific. I applied to CSSC for financial support to allow me to purchase women’s specific boots which were more expensive than the usual ‘male boots’ that are readily available. Already I have seen a difference, no longer am I finishing a training session with blisters and on their first outing in a competitive match we won 10-5!
How has the CSSC support helped?
When I started training a year ago I wasn’t sure if it would be something that I would continue with. I bought a cheap pair of boots to get me started however I soon became injured with damaged tendons to the top of my foot due to ill fitting boots. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the majority of boots available are male specific or made using a male mould then shrunk to ‘fit’ and labelled as female specific. I applied to CSSC for financial support to allow me to purchase women’s specific boots which were more expensive than the usual ‘male boots’ that are readily available. Already I have seen a difference, no longer am I finishing a training session with blisters and on their first outing in a competitive match we won 10-5!
How did you get into Touch Rugby?
Although being Welsh, I’ve never played Rugby before as it was reserved for the boys when I was in school. I recently moved back to Wales following mine and my husband’s retirement from the Royal Air Force and wanted to make friends as the usual military support network was now no longer available. I saw a post on the local community Facebook page that a Women’s Touch Rugby team was being set up and so I went along one Wednesday to train and also nominated myself for a place on the committee. Women’s touch rugby is growing rapidly in the area, more and more rugby clubs are introducing women’s touch teams, and we are close to starting a league. In the meantime, I train weekly with the team and take part in games every other Friday. This has been a great environment to encourage women in sport and also be part of the community.
What is it about touch rugby you enjoy the most?
I’ve really enjoyed getting my fitness levels back up and learning a new sport from the very beginning. There were a few of us who had no rugby experience and to watch us all improve together as a team has been brilliant.
What advice would you give to anyone wishing to try touch rugby for the first time?
Do it! Women’s relationship with sport, particularly a new one can be tricky. Many feel embarrassed of making mistakes or of how they will look. All the women’s touch rugby teams that I have encountered are welcoming and are proud to be providing an environment where women can try a new sport without judgement.
How can people get involved if they’ve never tried it before?
Women’s touch rugby has grown rapidly in my area. Seek out your local rugby club/team to see if they have a touch rugby team.
What drives you to succeed and to keep training so hard?
My daughter Delilah has come to watch a few of my games and cheer me on from the sidelines. I’m proud of the women I play with…. I want to show my daughter that women can take part in sport at all levels and that rugby is ‘not just for boys’.
Does Touch Rugby help in your everyday life such as gaining confidence, health, wellbeing?
By taking the step and attending my first training session I have found a place in the community that I moved to a year ago. I knew no one in the area and by becoming part of this team I have been able to make firm friendships which have helped me and my family settle into life outside of the military bubble. I’ve worked on improving my own health and fitness to ensure I perform as well as I can for my team… and even score a couple of trys!
As a team sport do you feel the extra pressure to succeed and not let the team down?
Absolutely, but this is all self-induced. Our team ethos is all about inclusion and enjoying the sport.
What do you like about being a member of CSSC and what is your favourite CSSC offering/product?
Through the summer I was able to enjoy trips to CADW sites for free thanks to my CSSC membership. As a family we took the opportunity to visit castles in the area and learn a little about the history of the area that we live in. I also take part in the ‘Active Wellbeing’ Challenge Events and always encourage my colleagues to join in and take part too. My membership fee for CSSC has brought me great benefits and I highly encourage all members of the Civil Service to join.