Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash, has welcomed the announcement that Long Eaton Rugby Football Club (RFC) is set to benefit from RFU (Rugby Football Union) funding which will boost the women’s game.
Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, the RFU in partnership with the Government and Sport England will be delivering an Impact Programme to help grow the women’s game.
Funding will be provided to community rugby clubs, including Long Eaton RFC, to encourage women and girls to take up opportunities at every level of the game. Investment will be provided to recruit and train more female coaches as well as referees. Funding will also be made available for the provision of basic sanitary requirements; improvements to create female friendly club social spaces and enhancements to existing and construction of new female changing rooms.
Maggie said: “I am absolutely delighted that Long Eaton RFC has been selected as part of the RFU’s Impact Programme. Sport plays such an important role in our physical and mental health, and we have a duty to encourage more women and girls to participate in sports such as rugby.
“Rugby clubs, such as Long Eaton RFC, are the heart and soul of our community. A rugby club provides both a sporting and social life, offers physical and mental wellbeing and encourages the next generation of men and women to take up the sport. I hope that this announcement will inspire more women and girls to join the club and take up the sport.
“We have all seen what an incredible impact that the Lionesses have had on women’s football. Their World Cup performance has inspired the next generation of girls to take up football. I hope that the combination of more funding into women’s rugby along with the spectacle of the World Cup itself will encourage more women and girls to join rugby clubs such as Long Eaton RFC.
“I can’t wait to get down to West Park and watch a women’s match once the new season begins.”
Between 2023 and 2027, the RFU will deliver a transformational Rugby World Cup 2025 Impact Programme in partnership with HM Treasury, DCMS (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) and Sport England. The programme includes a £7m facility investment fund.