Greenock rugby club sees huge girls' and women's boost

The women and girls section recently welcomed its 100th member, having added more than 40 new players already this summer.

A recent beginners’ bootcamp saw the participants get their first taste of the game by attending a weekly touch rugby session.

The club then held a tournament for the new players, which coach Tina Hemphill said went down a storm.

She added: “It was really competitive.

“It actually became a bit more contact rather than touch.”

Tina and fellow coach Emily Gray are currently focused on recruiting players for the club’s new girls’ sections.

There are several sections open to new members – under-12s, under-14s, under-16s and under-18s.

Those who join during the summer holidays will benefit from a free kit bundle worth over £180.

Tina, who joined the club in 2016, said she has watched the women and girls’ section go from strength to strength.

She added: “I have seen it go from less than a handful of girls to well over 40 on a regular night during the summer holidays.

Coaches Emily and Tina (Image: Tina Hemphill)

“I definitely think it’s a sport that’s on the up for girls.

“You can see many clubs following our bootcamp idea and trying to get more people involved.”

Adults are also welcome to begin their rugby journey at any point in the season – even those who are not quite sure if it is for them.

Tina said: “We’ve played against teams where there’s 60-year-olds in their squad.

“It’s for all abilities. If somebody’s thinking, ‘I can’t, I’m too unfit’, just give it a go.

“The hardest thing to do is gaining the confidence to get out of the car for that first training session.

“We’re happy to meet with you before your first session too.”

Training sessions are currently held at Battery Park in Greenock.

Those keen to get involved are encouraged to contact Greenock Wanderers Women and Girls Rugby on Facebook or Instagram to find out more.