Redcar rugby club tackles tradition with new pitch

A Teesside rugby club is converting passion into progress as it breaks new ground for the women’s game.

Redcar Rugby Club has secured over £40,000 to create what’s believed to be the UK’s first pitch dedicated solely to women and girls. 

The milestone follows a surge in female players sparked by 15-year-old Charlotte Johnson, who was told in 2021 she could no longer play mixed rugby.

Her dad, Paul “Jonno” Johnson, launched the club’s girls’ section, which now has four squads and more than 90 players. 

This year, two have been selected to play for Yorkshire County.

Backed by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Tees Foundation, the new facilities are part of wider plans to boost inclusivity in sport. 

The development coincides with the Women’s Rugby World Cup, kicking off in Sunderland on August 22, with Redcar set to host a community activity day and three club coaches – Yvonne Jones, Freya Atkinson and Danielle Gavigan – taking part in the international Grassroots to Global Forum to help shape the future of the women’s game.

Danielle said: “There’s a lot of buzz around the club. 

“Many club members are attending the opening game and other games in the surrounding areas such as York. 

“We are committed and determined to grow the women and girls’ game in Redcar.  

“These new facilities will give us our own space – and it shows how much we’ve grown and how seriously the whole club is taking the women’s game. 

“We’re very grateful to the club and the council for this opportunity and we’re going to grab it like a rugby ball – with both hands!”

Redcar is one of 19 clubs supported so far under the council’s £320,000 investment in grassroots sport across the borough.

Councillor Carrie Richardson, cabinet member for climate and culture at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, added: “This is just one of many sports grant funding projects but it shows just how important clubs like this really are for our community. 

“It’s been wonderful to see how everyone at the club has worked together to bring so many people together. 

“Sport is for everyone and I’m delighted that this particular scheme will help ensure girls and women right across the borough have access to rugby in a way that they wouldn't have had.

“Some of the coaches are visionary and ground-breaking and they can't be thanked enough. 

“I’m sure these new facilities will only help the women and girls’ teams – and the whole club – thrive even more.”

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