Emily - who appeared for Paviors against Letchworth on several occasions during her junior years - is still only 19. Since her full England debut earlier this year she has scored a remarkable 12 tries in 12 games.
Emily is a great example of why club rugby is so important. If there had not been a small, local club to give her the chance to try the game she would never have taken it up. It does not matter how much money is poured into county teams or regional rugby, or how much effort is put into fiendishly clever and bewilderingly complex "player pathways", if it had not been for a few volunteers at Leicester Forest East RFC five years ago, one of the most exciting prospects in English rugby (male or female!) might never have picked up a ball!
So its rather a pity to have to add that there isn't a Leicester Forest East team any more. I wonder how many Emilys the game has missed because their local club has folded?
Well done to Emily,
ReplyDeleteWhilst I totally agree with the comment about starting at grass roots level and how important a club is having thought about this I doubt Emily went from Leicester Forest East start into the England team and therefore that highly complex pathway must have been taken or navigated by her or for her by other willing volunteers, Parents, county, region coaches and the like.
Coupled with the clubs if is those people who give these young players every opportunity to shine who are as critical as the obvious natural talent Emily possesses.
Hopefully this will continue with the current crop of club, county and region players and their parents, coaches and other key volunteers so we can ensure that every potential player has this sort of opportunity.
spike
swaffham rugby