It’s gearing up to be a big summer for women’s rugby, what with the World Cup set for August excitement. Add Valentine 7s to the mix, and we have the kindling burning for a huge women’s rugby fire.
Valentine 7s is the first and only women’s-only 7s event in Europe, an opportunity to put women’s rugby at the centre stage, and–excitingly–has been set up in aid of the Women’s Sport Trust.
The tournament, which is set to take place on Saturday, 19th July at the Old Albanians RFC in St Albans, is the brainchild of Lindsay Topham, Tournament Director, and Chris Callaway, Event Director. Both Lindsay and Chris have years of experience with rugby 7s, and after identifying a collective frustration with the second-rate places of the women’s events at many larger tournaments, decided to take matters into their own hands.
All involved in the Valentine 7s are committed to promoting women’s participation in sport, and with having fun in so doing. A natural leader, Lindsay is charismatic and her dedication is infectious–a perfect combination to head up what already looks to be a mainstay in the women’s sport calendar for years to come.
‘The event is being held to provide women with a tournament where the focus is on them, they are the centre of attention, not playing somewhere out on a back pitch’, she explained. ‘Our aims are keenly aligned with those of the Women’s Sport Trust. We will showcase some great women’s athletes and encourage as many teams and as many players as possible to take part in the game of 7s.’
We’re loving the prospects. The tournament is set to be a blast: featuring both Open and Social divisions, Valentine 7s will not be shy on the social side of sport. Camping is available for players and spectators alike, and the tournament will be capped off with a party to celebrate the successes of women’s rugby (fancy dress fully encouraged).
Valentine 7s also promises much more than sunny fun. Half of all proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Sport Trust, the rapidly-growing grant-giving body dedicated to raising the profile and changing the perception of women’s sport in the UK.
‘We are dedicated to creating a mass participation event for players of all standards‘, Lindsay told me. ‘So we will facilitate introductions for new players as well as accepting long established teams. Or, if playing isn’t for you, come and witness the game for yourself. Increased spectatorship is also one of the focuses for us and the Women’s Sport Trust.’
Valentine 7s is an outstanding example of the diversity, enthusiasm, and collaboration with which women’s sport is being promoted in the UK. See you on the pitches!
Event Details
Date: 19th July 2014
Location: Old Albanians RFC, St Albans
Cost: £10 per person (players/coaches/physios); £5 for spectator tickets.
Camping: £5 per night/per person and available both Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July.
Entry: Please email lindsay.topham@yahoo.co.uk, or register at valentine7s.com. Individuals welcome as well as teams!
More Information: Follow @Valentine7s and @WomenSportTrust on Twitter or check out the Valentine 7s website.
Erin Walters, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine