Pontefract RUFC has been selected as one of eight recipients of the Volvic Force of Nature Fund which aims to encourage more girls to take up the sport.

This fund of up to £5,000 has been created in association with England Red Rose legend Natasha Hunt and wants to remove barriers to participation and inspire girls across the UK to tap into their inner force to get involved in the game.

Volvic launched the Force of Nature Fund with England Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 winner and brand ambassador Natasha Hunt to give clubs the freedom to invest where they need it most.

And now, the recipient clubs are putting the fund to work in practical ways, specific to relevant needs – whether it is fit-for-purpose spaces, increasing access to female coaches, expanding school engagement, or providing essential equipment.

Pontefract RUFC's recently formed senior women's team lined-up for their first-ever game in 2025.

placeholder image — Pontefract RUFC's recently formed senior women's team lined-up for their first-ever game in 2025.

With demand for girls’ rugby growing nationwide, Volvic is thrilled to support these clubs as they strengthen their programmes, welcome new players, and continue to be vital hubs for female sport.

Clubs to have received a grant along with Pontefract are Longlevens, Aylesbury, Eastbourne, Shrewsbury, Minchinhampton, Medway and Sidmouth.

Rachael Hann, business unit director Waters N.Europe at Danone said: “Women’s rugby is riding an incredible wave of momentum and we want that energy to reach every corner of the country.

"Through the Force of Nature Fund, Volvic is proud to be supporting clubs to increase opportunities for girls to pick up a ball, join a team and unleash their inner force.”

Natasha Hunt added: “Investment in grassroots sport for girls and women is vital to safeguarding the future of the game.

"It is not simply about participation, but about ensuring young players see sport as a credible career path and a source of lasting enjoyment.

"Volvic’s Force of Nature Fund represents a part of the work helping to widen access so that more girls can take to the field and strengthening the foundations of rugby for generations to come.”

Pontefract RUFC is a thriving community club with more than 350 juniors and significant female growth, expanding from 12 to more than 60 girls in the past year when they have launched their first women’s team.

But existing facilities have not kept pace with growth and changing rooms require upgrades for the additional female players. The grant will be used to provide a mobile unit with toilets and showers, improving safety, privacy and inclusion to support continued growth in women’s rugby.

Rob Weston, head of women’s rugby at Pontefract RUFC, said: "The Force of Nature Fund allows us to keep pushing forward – improving access, facilities, coaching and visibility so our female players receive the same opportunities as the male side.”