Ealing Trailfinders to drive equality through player pathway programmes

Ealing Trailfinders have today revealed their aspiration to become a world-class hub for female rugby players. Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward announced that they are putting in place ambitious plans to run a programme for all females alongside their male programmes at both The Henley College and Brunel University London through the Trailfinders Rugby Academy.

The Trailfinders Rugby Academy have been in partnership with Brunel University London for two years and Henley College for one year. Both educational institutions have developed an exceptional programme for players on and off the field.

Ben Ward said “We are pleased to announce that we've secured long term investment to run a programme for women alongside our successful men's programme. Our aspiration is to produce home grown Ealing Trailfinders players, both men and women, and give them the best opportunities to become great rugby players as well as prepare them for their careers after rugby.

Our new girls programme at The Henley College will be launching in September 2021 and as part of our investment we will be recruiting a fully professional coaching and backroom team to support the girls in the programme. Brunel University London will be recruiting immediately for full time Academy coaches and backroom staff to join the team.

It will take time to build a quality women's first team as well as a community team that will cater for all women who want to play rugby in our area.

With the facilities and infrastructure at Trailfinders Sports Club, Brunel University London and The Henley College we believe we will be able to attract quality players. Further investment will be made into providing world class facilities for our programmes.

Alongside our facilities we will be working hard to attract top quality coaches and backroom staff alongside our holistic staff who will look after education and careers for the players.”

We are recruiting now for 2021. To find out more about what is available at either of our Academy programmes please contact: Gareth Rise – Head of Rugby, Brunel University - gareth.brunel@etprm.com

This article was first published by the Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club.