Ways to prepare for the World Cup part 3: 1 year to go
It's a year to go!
It’s less than 1 year to go until the World Cup! I am beyond excited as England are hosting.
For grassroots clubs, it’s an ideal time to think about how to use the World Cup to invest in women’s rugby. This doesn’t just mean investing in a women’s team, but in facilities, female coaches, referees, club members and volunteers.
The film above from World Rugby is titled ‘The Energy Never Stops’. That same unstoppable energy is needed by clubs to affect change. We cannot allow the World Cup to be hosted and no long-lasting change to have occurred.
In the first two articles in the Prepare for the World Cup series, I’ve gone through a few barriers and ways clubs can take advantage of the excitement.
Read the first two articles in the series:
https://jessbunyard.substack.com/p/ways-to-prepare-for-rugby-world-cup
https://jessbunyard.substack.com/p/ways-to-prepare-for-the-world-cup
Here are some ways you can keep the energy going at your club, wherever it is:
Check the facilities your women’s and girls’ teams have access to and ensure it’s appropriate. This one feels simple. However, check the teams don’t just have theorectical access, but real access. For example, make sure the toilets and changing rooms are actually open for teams or they have enough kit for the new season.
Look at the demographic of your committee. Could you create a role that fulfills a need or get a club member to shadow a committee member for a year so they know what the role is when they takeover?
Who is coaching and refereeing at your club? Ask them what support they need. Find out their thoughts on how the club could do more to encourage more female coaches and referees.
Think ahead to the World Cup. Could you plan a special event at your club celebrating the tournament?
Whatever you identify to do, the most important thing is to make a plan and stick to it. Consider it your pledge…and if you' really want to stick to it, write it down in the comments section below.