Hi, my name is Kathrine and I’m fundraising for my daughter, Niamh – a talented, determined young rugby player with one big dream:

to play for England and captain the team one day.

Niamh’s rugby journey began when she was just 2 years old. While watching her brother train at Folkestone Rugby Football Club, she started catching balls on the sidelines. A coach spotted her natural ability, invited her to join in, and she’s never looked back.

At 5 years old, she played in her first international rugby tour in Bethune, France – full contact, and loving every second. She played with the boys at Folkestone until RFU rules meant girls had to move to their own teams at U12s. She joined Ashford Rugby Club, where she became captain of the U14/15s.

Over the years, Niamh has shown incredible leadership:

• Captain at Folkestone RFC

• Captain at Ashford RFC U14/15s

• Captain for London Broncos Rugby League (last game of the season)

• Captain for Elite Rugby Academy Rugby 7s at the Hope 7s Festival

Over the course of the last season and this coming season, she plays for Saracens Amateur Rugby Club and trains at the Elite Rugby Academy – both offering top-class coaching and a strong rugby community that is helping her grow her game to the next level.

She also recently took part in the Kent Rugby Project, raising funds for the Wooden Spoon, a Rugby Charity for children. As part of this programme, she gained three important rugby qualifications:

• First Aid Level 3

• Referee Qualification

• Coaching Qualification

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Beyond the Pitch

Niamh is also a Young Carer for her older brother, who is autistic. She helps at home, supports him in daily life, and balances those responsibilities with her own health issues, studies and her training.

For her, rugby is more than just a sport – it’s her escape, her joy, and her salvation.

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The Challenge

We live in Folkestone, Kent, but most of her training and matches take place in London. The cost of travel, kit, and membership fees is a real barrier:

• Travel – train fares from Folkestone to London multiple times a week

• Kit & Equipment – Rugby boots, Moulded boots, gum shields and training Kit,

• Membership Fees – Saracens Amateur Rugby Club & Elite Rugby Academy

• TOTAL YEARLY COST- £7244.88

We’re looking to raise £3,500 to help cover these essentials and keep her on the path to her England dream.

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Why Niamh Deserves Your Support

• She’s been committed to rugby for over a decade (13 years).

• She’s captained teams in Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Rugby 7s.

• She’s a qualified referee, coach, and first aider through the Kent Rugby Project.

• She’s a Young Carer balancing family responsibilities with elite-level training.

• She actively gives back to the rugby community through charity work.

• She’s not just dreaming about the England shirt – she’s working for it every single day.

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How You Can Help

1. Donate – every pound makes a difference.

2. Share – spread her story with your friends, family, and social media.

3. Encourage – leave her a message to keep her motivated!

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Final Words

Niamh’s journey shows what determination, heart, and leadership can achieve. With the right support, she can continue to grow, compete, and one day lead her country on the rugby field.

We’d love for you to join Team Niamh – both on and off the pitch – and help her chase her dream.

Thank you for believing in her. #teamniamh