Open Pitch Day Twickenham

On Saturday, Chailey School attended an Open Pitch Day at the Allianz Stadium - Twickenham, the home of England Rugby. The day was aimed at getting Year 7 girls playing rugby, we took 8 players and our Year 9 team manager Faye!

The students travelled up by minibus were met by our wonderful travelling support. The girls waited eagerly at the Rose and Poppy gates when finally the time came for them to go in. We registered and were walked down to the tunnel. Butterflies in stomachs and eyes wide open with amazement, we stood where the Red Roses stood a few weeks ago before making history for not only Women's Rugby, but sport for women and girls across the country. 

We walked pitch-side to find our seats and the view was breathtaking. Standing so close to the pitch, the girls (and Miss Batton) were desperate to step onto the pitch where so many famous players have played on over the years. We finally got the call up over the speaker "Chailey School, pitch 3!" and the girls walked onto the pitch to a Fat Boy Slim classic and a roar from the Chailey Families. The girls jogged on followed by the staff and what a feeling. To stand where the Red Roses played, to see where the World Cup was lifted, to think about how many players who are role models (both men and women) and have played on this pitch was just unimaginable. 

The girls played their first game, with Iris scoring our first try after a brilliant line break. The celebrations were awesome. The game was back underway but unfortunately we conceded last minute so it ended in a draw.

As we walked off the pitch, we spotted our first visitor - Tatyana Heard, England Red Roses No12 (Inside Centre). The girls had come pre-prepared with things to get signed and they flooded her! Whilst heavily distracted, the second Red Roses player immerged Abbie Ward No5 (Second Row/Lock) and she was also flooded upon being spotted. The girls were chatting, having photos taken, signing boots, shoes, shirts, you name it, it was being signed! Some also got the chance to hold the World Cup Winners medals which was awesome!

After all the excitement it was time for game 2, which we drew - probably because of all the excitement! We took our seats again and then heard the call that a changing room tour with Abbie and Tatyana was up for grabs, so we rushed into the changing rooms. Pictures of all the Red Roses players lined the entrance and the girls were eagerly spotting their favourite players on the wall. We went round the corner to see the physio beds and the ice baths, and then directly opposite was the changing area, lined with red seats and crisp white England shirts, which weeks before was a base of celebrations for the Red Roses. The girls talked us through the space and showed us the names of the players who were highly capped written on each changing bay. They also showed us the wall which every capped player is listed under the year of their debut which was awesome. 

After even more excitement, we were called up to get our packed lunches - as if the day couldn't get any better! We had a break after lunch where we were trying different rugby trends, playing catch and just bonding as a team over common interests. The more experienced players were helping those with less experience to develop their skills and there was lots of laughing, smiling and cheering throughout the afternoon. 

Our final game was called and we were set up and ready. We had a strong start and identified space early on the wing to which Sylvie was able to break through and score her first try! We also tried to kick a bit more in this game and after a well timed grubber, Iris managed to chase and score in the final minute of the game. 

The girls really progressed in each game, be that their confidence to pass under pressure, to run into "contact" and take the touch, to run forwards and to try to hold a better defensive line, everyone improved in some way or another. 

When asked about how they found Saturday and what was their favourite things about it, a few comments from the students include: 

Iris: It was insane, I loved the bonuses of going around the changing rooms and meeting the players and I scored our first try. 

Sylvie: I loved scoring my first try and we got to have a tour of the changing rooms and it was awesome meeting the World Cup winners. 

Naomi: It was a really exciting day!

Flora: I liked going to Twickenham and standing on the pitch. It's where I first saw my favourite player Ellie Kildunne play, I also liked the bus journey with the great music. 

Rosa: I really enjoyed playing on the pitch, it was fun. 

Thank you to everyone who played, travelled up to watch, supported in organising the trip and for Mr Renals for coming along to support on the day. 

If you are looking to get your girl(s) into Rugby, there are clubs in - Uckfield, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Brighton, East Grinsted, Heathfield, Seaford and more. We also have a girls rugby club on a Tuesday.