Hundreds of schoolgirls from across East Anglia took part in our Rugby Taster Day aimed at increasing female participation in the sport.

There were Year 7 and 8 girls from 10 different schools across the region taking part in today’s event which was supported by the Rugby Football Union, which has a strategy to increase the number of female players at all levels and across all ages.

It aims to have 100,000 women and girls across the country involved in the game by 2017 and to have 25,000 females playing contact rugby. This is an additional 10,000 from the 15,000 playing contact rugby in 2013.

Thomas Clarkson Academy PE Teacher Kirstie Smith, who plays for Fakenham Foxes, and organized the event, said:  “There is this perception that rugby is a tough sport and not suited to girls but that’s just not the case. The girls who have taken part today have had great fun and hopefully it will boost the number of schools who have Rugby on their curriculum.

RFU Women’s Rugby Development Officer Simon Boyd, said: “One of the biggest barriers to girls and women who are thinking of taking up the game is the lack of knowledge of opportunity to try the sport. This was the biggest event of its kind in the region and a great way to introduce more girls to the game.”

As part of the day, four community coaches from the RFU led coaching sessions and games. They were assisted by PE staff from each of the participating schools.

Community Rugby Coach Lee Parry said: “What we wanted to achieve was to give more girls a taste for the sport. We delivered some fun sessions and feedback was that the students really enjoyed it.”

Year 7 TCA student Abbie Markillin said: “We have played rugby as part of the curriculum, which I have really enjoyed. We learned some new skills today such as spacing and how to make good passes.”

PE teacher Gemma Teanby from Nicholas Hamond Academy in Swaffham, said: “I was really impressed with the students that I worked with today as they really progressed as the day went on.”

The schools which took part alongside TCA were: Wisbech Grammar School, Pakefield School, Smithdon High School, The Thomas Deacon Academy, King Edward VII Academy, Hampton College, Ely College, St Ivo School and Nicholas Hamond Academy.

The Women’s World Cup Trophy, which was won by the England team in August 2014, was also in attendance.

To view a gallery of photos from the day click here