Last month saw the launch of Bristol Ladies Rugby Girls Development Camps, created in partnership with Breaking Boundaries.

Nineteen U15s from across the South West descended on the Portway Rugby Development Centre for two action packed days, led by a top class coaching team.

The programme included sessions on strength and conditioning, nutrition and position specific skills master classes, whilst developing their teamwork and communication skills.

Coaches included England World Cup winners Amber Reed and Sarah Hunter, Wales Captain Rachel Taylor and England stars Nolli Waterman and Katie Mason, who, alongside coaches from Bristol Ladies Rugby, put the girls through their paces.

Cleve Rugby U15 Florence Long took part in the camp  ‘I really enjoyed the weekend because I learnt a lot about nutrition which I haven’t been taught about before. It was also great to have such experienced players coaching us through some new drills that I haven’t done before, and I’m certain it will help me in my future rugby career’.

Pete Reakes, Squad Co-Ordinator says working with local girls like Florence is vital for the womens’ game. ‘Our camp was developed to offer girls the chance to improve their skills and knowledge over the summer. There are some great clubs across the South West with girls sides, who do a fantastic job of motivating and training the growing crop of U18s talent. Our camps give the future stars the chance to meet their role models and expand their knowledge in areas such as nutrition and strength and conditioning’.

The Development Camps are product of a collaboration between Bristol Ladies Rugby and Breaking Boundaries, with the aim of strengthening the talent in the girls game across the UK, and encouraging more girls to participate in rugby from an early age. The number of girls playing rugby in the UK is rising rapidly, and the need for top quality information and advice has never been so important.

A huge thank you goes to event sponsor, Astra Communications for their continued support.

Our next camp is one day U13s event on Monday 17^th August, followed by our U18s two day camp on the 18^th and 19^th August.

To sign up and for more information please email bristol.ladies.finance@gmail.com

Breaking Boundaries is the creation of Bristol Ladies and England International star Sasha Acheson. Born from international elite athletes, along with the support of the Princes Trust, the mission is to inspire the next generation of rugby players and ‘Be The Change’ Amongst other things, Breaking Boundaries provides consultancy to rugby clubs and in this instance, has partnered with Bristol Ladies to create a bespoke Girls Development Programme.

Based at the Portway Rugby Development Centre, this exciting new partnership aims to develop the existing base of girls that already play in the area, as well as encouraging participation in those players who are new to the sport.

Heidi Chapman-Mercer, Bristol Ladies Rugby CEO, said: ‘We’ve worked really hard with Breaking Boundaries to create a unique programme that will develop the girls on and off the pitch. Sasha is a key member of Bristol Ladies Rugby and the formulation of her company means that we have been able to work with someone who understands the club and the women’s and girl’s game in the area, ensuring that our vision could be brought to reality.’

The camps are split into age groups, U13’s, U15’s and U18’s and will combine training sessions run by Premiership players on rugby skills and technique, as well as nutritional advice and strength and conditioning tips.

Sasha said: ‘The program is designed to help all age groups, with camps being designed around each groups development needs. We are encouraging anyone to take part, from those players already established at an existing girls club to those who may have only played touch rugby at school. The camps are designed to develop the girl’s confidence and add to their all-round rugby knowledge.’

Places are limited and students are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Camp One

Age: U13’s

Dates: 17th July and 17th August

Time: 9:30 – 4:30

Cost: £80

Includes: all sessions, lunch and goody bag

Camp Two

Age: U15’s

Dates: 18th – 19th July

Time: 9:30 – 4:30

Cost: £80

Includes: all sessions, lunch and goody bag

Camp Three

Age: U18’s

Dates: 18th – 19th August

Time: 9:30 – 4:30

Cost: £80

Includes: all sessions, lunch and goody bag

Contact bristol.ladies.finance@gmail.com for further information and to book your space.

For more information on Breaking Boundaries please contact Sasha Acheson on info.breaking.boundaries@gmail.com

Twitter handles: @bristol_l_rugby @breaking_bound