The University of Stirling is known for its sporting excellence, and while amazing, it can be quite overwhelming as a fresher. To make it less daunting I have spoken to five members of the Stirling University Women’s Rugby Football Club (SUWRFC) who have shared some of their experiences within the club and offered advice to any freshers or returning students who are looking to try something new.
While it is a sport club, you don’t have to be studying a sports-related degree to play for SUWRFC, with members studying anything ranging from mathematics to marine biology. There are also many members who had only been playing rugby for a short period before starting university, and, of course, you don’t need any prior experience to join.
A big part of any society is the socials, and SUWRFC is no different. When speaking to the SUWRFC, they recounted some of their favourite socials from last year, including Halloween pub golf, moustaches, and grannies and babies.
When asked what their favourite memory of their time with the club was, the responses ranged from the socials, the charity matches for Siobhan and Eilidh, and the supportive atmosphere created by the team.
What would be your best piece of advice for someone considering joining?
“Get stuck in,” Stirling rugby player Lucy said, “Even if you’ve never heard of rugby before give it a go, and don’t feel nervous.
“Coming into the team as a fresher, I felt so welcomed by all the girls and coaches.
“Not once did I feel isolated or embarrassed, if I was unsure about anything every single person I asked for help gave me amazing advice and didn’t make me feel stupid for not knowing.”
Other interviewees mentioned trying the Give it a Go, socials and training sessions without adding the pressure of playing competitively.
Why should you join SUWRFC?
“It gives you another way as a fresher to break the ice with people in your year and above who can help you with anything about the university you might not understand,” one unnamed Stirling rugby player said, “ It also means you have something to look forward to in the week, and it gives you something to do.”
The others agreed that the socials, sober or otherwise, are a great way to socialise and make friends. They’re all friendly, they stressed- the sport may be aggressive, but the girls are decidedly not.
Image Credit: Ian Irvine-Watson