On Sunday 10th July the Banbury Belles hosted the Pitch up and Play with our guest coach, 2014 World Cup Winner Kat Merchant. We would like to say a BIG thank you to Kat for giving up her day to lead what was a fantastic session.

It was a successful event that catered for complete beginners as well as more experienced players with everyone having lots of fun and learning new skills along the way.

Kat followed the coaching session with Q & A's giving everyone an insight into her thoughts about playing against the All Blacks! She also talked of the tremendous 'feeling of exhilaration when listening to the heart beat sound whilst waiting in the tunnel at Twickenham' (her favourite stadium - of course!). Kat brought her World Cup Winner's Medal with her and happily let the girls handle it and wear it for photos, even joking that it was already 'a bit battered and chipped'.

We really want to encourage more women and girls to come and play the game and have some fun whilst improving their fitness and enjoying this great sport. So for any ladies that are interested but were unable to make Sunday’s session, preseason has started and is on Mondays and Wednesday's starting at 7pm. Or you can come along to one of our Touch Rugby sessions on a Tuesday night at 7pm, which caters for all ages and abilities. We would love to see you there.

Can we also say a huge thank you to Dylan Lovell (age 14) for taking the fantastic photos posted on here.