Grove RFC is launching a dedicated Girls U12 rugby section in September 2026 — bringing competitive, RFU-structured girls rugby to Wantage, Grove, and the wider Vale of White Horse for the first time.

Whether your daughter is in Year 6, Year 7, or Year 8 and has never played before, or has already tried tag rugby and is ready for more — this section is being built for her.

WHY GIRLS RUGBY?

Rugby is one of the fastest-growing team sports for girls in England. It builds confidence, physical literacy, teamwork, and resilience — and it is genuinely brilliant fun.

Grove RFC already runs a thriving Ladies team and a mixed mini section from U6 to U11. The U12 Girls section is the natural next step — giving girls in the Vale of White Horse a local, welcoming place to carry on playing as they move into secondary school.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Girls in Year 6, Year 7 or Year 8 (ages 11–13) in September 2026
Girls currently playing rugby at U10 or U11 who want to continue Girls only Rugby.
Complete beginners — no experience needed whatsoever
Girls who play other sports and want to try something new

WHAT WILL TRAINING LOOK LIKE?

Sessions will be run by RFU-qualified coaches in a safe, structured, fun environment. The RFU Age Grade pathway means contact is introduced carefully and progressively — no one is thrown in at the deep end.

Training location: Recreation Ground, Recreation Lane, Grove, Wantage, OX12 0FL

Training day and time: Sundays - Training and Match Days, and Mid-Week Skills session (Day TBC)

GIRLS RUGBY IN WANTAGE — IS THERE A TEAM NEARBY?

Grove RFC is the closest RFU Accredited club to Wantage and Grove offering girls rugby from U12 level. We are part of the Oxfordshire RFU network, which means competitive fixtures, festivals, and development opportunities across the county.

Girls in the Vale of White Horse, Abingdon, Faringdon, Didcot, and surrounding villages are all welcome.

SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE

The safety and welfare of every player is our top priority. Grove RFC holds RFU Accredited Club status and operates under RFU safeguarding guidelines. All coaches hold valid DBS clearance and RFU coaching qualifications. Our full safeguarding policy is available here:

Safeguarding at Grove RFC

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST — SEPTEMBER 2026

Register your daughter's interest now so we can confirm training details, keep you informed, and make sure she has a spot.

Follow our Girls Rugby Facebook page for updates
Contact us directly: Playrugby@groverfc.co.uk
Or find us here https://www.groverfc.co.uk/contact

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does my daughter need any kit to get started?
No. For a first taster session all she needs is trainers or boots, comfortable sports kit, mouthguard and a water bottle. We will sort the rest.

Is girls rugby safe?
Yes. All sessions follow RFU Age Grade guidelines. Contact is introduced gradually by qualified coaches, and player welfare is at the centre of everything we do.

My daughter has never played rugby — is that okay?
Absolutely. The section is being built from scratch and many girls will be starting from zero. That is exactly the point — everyone starts together.

What age group is Year 6? Year 7?
Year 6 is U11 (age 11–12). Year 7 is U12 (age 12–13). Both year groups are within scope for our U12 girls section launching September 2026. Year 8's may be able to join subject to sign off.

Will there be matches and festivals?
Yes — once established, the team will compete in Oxfordshire RFU fixtures and festivals alongside other clubs across the county.

My girl is older, where can she play
Grove is building our girls section, starting with U12. Whilst we will have U14, U16 sections in the future - they are not there today. However we have contacts across Oxfordshire Rugby with older girls teams, and will help any girl that wants to train and play find a club as close as possible to do so whilst we grow.

Visit the Girls Rugby team page

Find out about Minis rugby at Grove RFC (ages 5–12)