Children from U7 to U12 spent half-term learning rugby skills at Ealing Trailfinders camps, including a girls masterclass led by two Trailfinders Women players.
On Wednesday, 20 girls took part in the masterclass at Trailfinders Sports Club, coached by Rori Wood and Teya Ashworth.
‘It was brilliant to spend the day with so many girls who love rugby. Everyone got stuck in and had a go at everything we put in front of them,’ said Rori Wood, Trailfinders Women player.
‘When I started, there weren’t many chances like this. If a few of them go home wanting to play more, that’s a good day for us.’
The camps ran from 26 to 30 October, with 61 children taking part over the week. Monday to Wednesday were at Trailfinders Sports Club, and Thursday and Friday at High Wycombe RFC.
Evie and Aisling, community coaches at Ealing Trailfinders, led the week. Trailfinders Women players Flo Long, Niamh Swailes, Rori Wood and Teya Ashworth also coached across the five days. The sessions were built around rugby skills and games that made the children think about what they were doing as well as how to do it.
‘We want the children to have fun and learn at the same time,’ said Evie, community coach at Ealing Trailfinders. ‘The games ask them to make decisions, and you can see their rugby improve as the week goes on.’
The players made an impression on the children too.
‘They really connected with the kids, and it was great fun from start to finish,’ said parent Emma Woods.
‘Mine hasn’t stopped talking about it since. It meant a lot to them to be coached by the players, and they came home keen to tell us everything they had done. We’ll definitely be looking at the next camp.’
Book the next camp
The next camp is at February half-term. Dates, venue and price are still to be confirmed, so check the camps page for updates.
Come and watch
Both teams are at home at Trailfinders Sports Club this month.