Letchworth Garden City RFC

From the roar of the crowd to the camaraderie in training, rugby is more than just a sport - it’s a space where women and girls grow stronger physically, mentally and socially. At Letchworth Rugby Club, our girls’ section is thriving, and the benefits are clear: players tell us they feel fitter, more confident, and part of a team that supports them both on and off the pitch.

The recent success of the England Red Roses Women’s Rugby World Cup team has helped shine a spotlight on what women’s and girls’ rugby can mean for a generation of players. That visibility encourages girls to see themselves in a sport they might once have thought was “just for boys”, and research supports exactly why joining in can be such a positive move.

Rugby builds confidence and wellbeing
Studies show that regular involvement in rugby can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. In a survey of 500 rugby players, nine out of ten players reported improved mental health and wellbeing from playing the sport - with enjoyment, physical activity and social connection all cited as key contributors. Importantly, this benefit was consistent across genders, highlighting that women and girls experience the same positive outcomes as their male counterparts.

For young girls in particular, participation in rugby has been shown to improve physical literacy and psychological well being, sometimes after just an hour a week of involvement. The psychological gains, such as confidence, social competence and motivation, are components of physical literacy that help girls stay active for life.

Physical health benefits that matter
Rugby participation isn’t just good for the mind, it’s brilliant for the body too. According to a World Rugby report on the social value of grassroots participation, playing rugby is linked with reduced health risks over a lifetime, including a significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. The same research suggests that active children report higher confidence scores compared with less active peers, and that team sports like rugby contribute to overall wellbeing and health outcomes.

Team sport, real life skills
Beyond physical fitness and wellbeing, girls’ rugby teaches life skills that carry far beyond the pitch. Team sports inherently encourage communication, leadership, resilience and cooperation - qualities that research has linked to greater confidence and stronger peer relationships in young people. Girls who play sports are often more socially connected and demonstrate higher levels of purpose and meaning, compared with those who don’t participate.

These are not just benefits within sport, they are benefits that help girls navigate school, friendships, ambitions and the challenges that come with growing up.

A supportive, inclusive environment
One of the strongest themes across rugby participation research is the importance of social support. Surveys of rugby players consistently show that enjoyment of the game, encouragement from teammates, friends and family, and a sense of community are key factors that help players stay involved. This kind of supportive environment is exactly what we strive for within the Letchworth Lionesses, where all girls and women feel welcomed, valued and encouraged to be themselves.

Our coaches are committed to creating a positive space for all players - whether they’re stepping onto the pitch for the very first time or developing skills. We train together, learn together and build lasting friendships, and those relationships often become as meaningful as rugby itself.

Inspired by role models, backed by momentum
The visibility of women’s rugby at the highest level, including England’s recent World Cup success, has a real impact. Research shows that seeing successful female athletes can boost girls’ confidence and inspire them to try sport themselves, helping challenge outdated stereotypes about who rugby is “for”.

This is part of a wider push within the sport: national initiatives, including England Rugby’s Every Rose action plan, are aimed at growing the game for women and girls, with a target of 100,000 active female players across the country.

Join us and discover the difference
At Letchworth Rugby Club, girls’ rugby is open to players from school Year 3 through to Year 13, and no prior experience is required. Girls from 17 onwards can join our adult Letchworth Lionesses, and there is no upper age limit, we are made up from all different backgrounds, shapes, sizes and ages. Training is designed to be fun, supportive and focused on development - physically, mentally and socially.

Whether you or your daughter has dreams of playing competitively one day or is simply looking for a positive team environment, rugby can help you or your daughter grow stronger, more confident and more connected.

Come down, watch a session, and see for yourself why women and girls at Letchworth love the game - and why so many are choosing rugby as the sport that helps women and girls of all ages thrive.

Just pop down to a training session or send us a message on our social channels to find out more or you can drop us an email if you'd like to join us or you have any questions at letchworthlionesses@gmail.com. Join the fastest-growing female sport in the world - right here in Letchworth!