There is no other feeling like the rush you get from playing sport, whether it’s after an intense training session in the rain, a win on the rugby pitch or getting a PB in the gym.
1. Why do you do Sports?
There is no other feeling like the rush you get from playing sport, whether it’s after an intense training session in the rain, a win on the rugby pitch or getting a PB in the gym. I love taking part in sports, as it not only gives me something to work towards but has also made me physically and mentally stronger.
2. What Sports do you do?
Through my time at school I focused mainly on Athletics (track work, shotput and the high jump) and hockey. But, as an Undergraduate I decided to take up rugby and I played for Y Geltaidd for 3 years, playing mainly rugby 7s. This is now my third year playing centre for AUWR (Aber Uni Women’s Rugby) and I am also Vice Captain this year. I love all types of sport and generally just like keeping fit, so I go to the gym a few times every week too.
3. What challenges have you faced, being a girl, within sport?
It was at secondary school that I started to notice the difference between the sports that girls and boys were allowed to play. We were made to play netball and hockey while the boys played football and rugby. Rugby is the national sport of Wales, but while I was in school there was little opportunity for girls to take part in the sport – although this may still be relevant in some areas, I know that the WRU have made a big effort to ensure that there are more opportunities for girls to play rugby.
I haven’t felt that while playing for AUWR that I have faced any challenges being a girl, I do feel like we are given the same opportunities and support as the Men’s teams – especially this year with the appointment of the new WRU Hub Officer. My main struggle has been finding a local team to play for. The closest team is a 45 minute drive away in Lampeter, while there is a rugby club in Aberystwyth itself which only has 2 Men’s teams and a youth team (for boys). I think that each club should have a women’s team – there are plenty of girls out there who would love the opportunity to represent their local areas and even at regional and international level – but without the support of local clubs it will be very difficult for them to do this!
4. What have you achieved in sport? Gained qualifications?
I gained a Skills4Sport qualification with Ceredigion Actif and have recently gained my WRU Tag Leaders Award. My next aim is to obtain my WRU Coaching Children Level 1. I have been given a lot of opportunities by the local rugby club to coach one of their junior and girls’ teams. This has been a very rewarding experience and it’s definitely something I’d like to pursue!
5. What do you have to say to the girls in Aber who want to get into sport, but are too scared?!
If you want to join a team or pick up a new sport then just do it! There is no better time to try new things than when you’re at University and I promise you that you’ll meet so many other like-minded people that will become your friends for life. Being a part of a rugby team has been such a great experience, and I can’t imagine making it through my time here without the support of my rugby family!