As we count down to the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this year, we’re offering a fresh opportunity for your club to engage with the WI's in your area and welcome more women into your community.

The Impact25 Connecting Communities Programme is all about creating opportunities for women to connect, get active, and feel part of their local rugby club, even if they’re not ready to take up the game. The WI Federation in your area is keen to work with local Rugby Clubs, offering an opportunity for you to open your doors to a whole new audience and showcase your club as a hub for community activity.

We know not everyone is ready to jump straight into Walking Rugby or fitness sessions, that’s why the programme encourages clubs to develop activities in partnership with WI members. Across the country, clubs have been hosting:

· Film Club nights

· Gardening projects in the grounds

· Social events – coffee mornings, quiz nights, and virtual meetups to bring people together.

· Training - via the WI Learning Hub and joining Club members for joint sessions

These activities attract a diverse range of women, including WI members, and offer a great way to introduce them to the welcoming environment of your club. Of course, we are also encouraging WI's to consider outdoor activities too - check out this video of how the community have come together at Amesbury Rugby Club: https://youtu.be/QqQgPBcDjQg

If you are interested in developing an activity tailored to women in your local community, you can contact your Local WI Federation representative directly, or the dedicated NFWI Project Coordinator - details of each are copied below and into this email for ease.

Hampshire Federation - Barbara George - barbarageorge@hampshirewi.org.uk

NFWI Project Coordinator = Rachel Richards - wirugby@nfwi.org.uk Tel. 0161 5230614

If you have any questions, please do get in touch with Rachel at the NFWI.