Labour-Led Merton Council Launches Groundbreaking Girl’s Rugby Programme
Labour-run Merton Council is proud to launch the Merton SWITCH Partnership Programme - a bold new initiative to engage 1,500 girls in rugby over the next two years, inspired by England’s triumphant 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup victory.
Backed by £40,000 in council funding, SWITCH will deliver weekly rugby sessions in schools and clubs across the borough, led by trained coaches. Alongside core skills, girls will take part in themed wellbeing workshops covering body confidence, nutrition, resilience, mental health, menstrual health, and careers in sport.
Led by the Harlequins Foundation, the programme is supported by a powerful coalition of partners including the Rugby Football Union (RFU), London Broncos, Star Scheme, London Sport, and Merton School Sports Partnership.
This innovative programme will see
1,500 girls participating in rugby sessions and workshops
375 girls transitioning into community rugby clubs,
10 new female coaches trained, plus 25 upskilled through new training.
The programme will also provide pastoral support through the delivery of eight different wellbeing workshops, festivals and showcase events, and the provision of 500 elite rugby match tickets – inspiring Merton’s next generation of rugby players.
Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, said:
"With the women’s team lifting the World Cup, there’s no better time to inspire girls across Merton to see rugby differently and give it a go. The Merton SWITCH Partnership programme is another exciting step on our journey to becoming London’s Borough of Sport - a place where everyone can find a sport that works for them."
The Merton SWITCH Partnership programme is designed to tackle the real barriers girls face in sport - from body image and confidence to cultural and structural challenges, all while opening doors to future careers in sport for our young people.
