Bay of Plenty Rugby is pleased to announce their newest initiative, GIRL CODE, coming to primary and intermediate schools near you!

"The program's purpose is to give young girls/women confidence to learn something new or increase current skillsets," says a Bay of Plenty Rugby spokesperson.

"Utilising the game of rugby as a tool, we underpin the values of good listening, communication, having a positive attitude, being physically active and working as a team."

A key feature of GIRL CODE is the all-girls focus that includes activators who are predominantly female and present in the rugby community. Program Co-Ordinator Delwyn Fraser says having a strong female leadership team for GIRL CODE is crucial.

'It is about improving the representation of females within the sporting world,” says Delwyn.

"You can't be what you can't see.

"We have ladies from the Volcanix, women's club players, high school players, teachers, and mums signed up to help GIRL CODE reach thousands of young girls within the Bay.

"We also have our awesome crew of 'man-ambassadors' helping us deliver GIRL CODE. These are the dads, uncles, teachers that we see at every girl's rugby event, helping get young girls on the field."

Bay of Plenty Women's RDO Kendra Reynolds is excited at the prospect of young girls getting excited about physical activity and being able to do it in a space with other girls.

"Delwyn Fraser and I want to see girls thrive in sport – we know girls want more, and we need the opportunity to get in front of them and show how great females in sport can be!" says Kendra. "We may find groups in our programs who have never touched a rugby ball before, or they could be rugby regulars – what an exciting time to be able to resource that support for our girls."

GIRL CODE has three main delivery areas:

In School Sessions: These are a series of four 45minute sessions available to be delivered in school free of charge. The delivery frequency and participant groupings will be decided in a collaborative way between GIRL CODE program co-ordinator and school management. School management can find the proposal here.

Hub Sessions: These sessions are designed to support both current players and non-players to explore rugby activity and grow their skills and confidence to participate.

Sessions start at 3:30pm unless otherwise stated. To sign up click here.

9th May – Tauranga

12th May – Opotiki

16th May – Papamoa

19th May - Rotorua

20th May - Mount Maunganui

24th May - Tauranga North

15th August - Tauranga

16th August - Opotiki

17th August - Kawerau

18th August - Papamoa

19th August - Rotorua

22nd August - Mount Maunganui

23rd August - Tauranga North

Holiday programs: We create a fun and social atmosphere that supports girls having a blast whether they are current players or just want to give sport a try!

At only $5 for a full 9am - 3pm day this is a sure bet for a holiday school holiday activity.

26th April - Rugby Park, Whakatane (Register here)

12th July - Rotorua

14th July – Whakatane

18th July - Mount Maunganui

3rd October – Whakatane

4th October - Mount Maunganui

5th October - Rotorua

BOPRU would like to extend Thanks to New Zealand Rugby and the Sport NZ Women & Girls Activator Fund for making GIRL CODE possible.

For more information on GIRL CODE Click Here

To work as a casual activator for GIRL CODE Program Co-Ordinator, Delwyn Fraser, on 027 343 1384 or delwyn@boprugby.co.nz