The Leicester Tigers Pukka Swifts Under-16s girls played their first-ever game of rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday, November 19.
The Swifts side was made up of girls from Tudor Grange School who played a team from Castle Mead and Thomas Astley schools.
School mentors emphasised how much rugby has had a positive impact on this group of young girls who take away so many positives from experiences like this.
Talking about one of the young players, a member of staff said: “I’ve never seen her smile this much before”.
PE teacher to the Head of Alternative Provision added: “Some people are worth fighting for.”
The Swifts game was played ahead of the Leicester Tigers Women’s fixture against Harrogate Ladies, which saw the home team come away with an 87-0 win.
The young girls were able to attend the women’s fixture and have a Q&A session with Tigers players Louisa Burgham and Ellie Turner.
“I don’t even know who she is, but she’s my idol!” said one of the Swifts' players in attendance.
The Leicester Tigers Swifts, supported by club partner Pukka Pies, is a team for young players from the BAME (Black Asian & Minority Ethnic People community) in Leicester.
The aim is not only to develop rugby skills but also to build an understanding of the core values of rugby: teamwork, enjoyment, discipline, sportsmanship and respect.
