Help Lizzy reach her rugby dreams

I am currently a year 11 student at Torpoint Community College, from Millbrook, Cornwall. I am also a keen rugby player, looking to progress my career. I worked really hard and am delighted to have been selected to attend Exeter Chiefs Rugby academy with Exeter College in September 2024. This is not something easily achieved, and I am very proud and honoured to have been offered a place. I have loved rugby for many years starting in my local club at St Columba, Torpoint. However, there was no girls team so at 11 went over to Liskeard Looe RFC where I have played ever since. Rugby is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle with important values and my club is like a huge family of likeminded coaches, kids and parents. I feel very strongly about how it has shaped the person I am today and want to be an ambassador for my sport. Especially in a sport that has been mainly dominated by men most of its existence and I would like to have thew chance to be a part of the already growing women’s rugby world, when I am older. With this opportunity I can’t help but to want to see where it would take me in the future. Liskeard has supported the girl’s section to grow exponentially and has helped me through my rugby journey so far and I wouldn’t be with this opportunity without their support. I have proudly been the captain of my team this year and enjoyed a fantastic season with the other girls, forming strong friendships which I believe will last a lifetime. I have also played for Cornwall this year and last year. My rugby journey has been incredibly positive so far; however, I would like to excel even further. Going to Exeter isn't just about playing a game I love it's about showing people that if you work really hard you can reach your dreams. I hope to develop as a player and a person and if I do very well perhaps, I will be fortunate enough to wear an Exeter Chief's or even an England shirt one day.

However, these dreams don't come cheap and like most sport there are costs involved, this includes kit and accommodation. As I live too far away from Exeter to commute easily, I am looking at accommodation and kit cost of more than £15,000. So far, I have been extremely lucky in being awarded the Lord Leitenant of Cornwall’s Young and Gifted Award of £1000. I have also asked for help from St Columba Rugby Trust who are kindly helping me out with rugby boots for the two years. My family are also looking to help me, but it is still going to be a struggle and is going to be tricky for them to cover all the costs. We are looking for other grants but I am asking for help from local organisations and businesses who would like to either sponsor me or offer a contribution to help. I also wanted to give other friends and family the chance to support my journey, for which I would be eternally grateful. I am so close to my dreams, yet this financial barrier is a real challenge and I really need and would really appreciate your help please in any possible way.

Thank you so much for your help.

Much love

Liz