When the Rugby Football Union for Women amended the age groupings for girls’ rugby a couple of years ago clubs moved to set up under 14 teams for players aged between 12 and 14 years-old.
Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club, with a thriving girls’ section, immediately responded but didn’t have the funds to supply the new team with a new strip. Instead the girls turned out for matches wearing the very old and very large Antiquarians’ shirts which were far too big and far too heavy for them.
However, with a significant increase in the number of under 14s girls playing rugby this season something had to be done on the kit front. Fortunately for Darlington Mowden the RAF flew in to the rescue. 
Chris Webb, Manager of Mowden Park’s girls’ teams, said: “This season it has become increasingly important to acquire new kit. Luckily, we were fortunate enough to get the support of the RAF who generously supplied the team with shirts, socks and shorts and it has made a huge difference.
“The kit actually fits the girls! They look smart and they have gained in confidence as they feel very much like a well turned out team ready to face the toughest opposition. They are also carrying less weight and this increases their speed. We’re all really grateful for the RAF’s sponsorship.”
Sergeant Craig Jones, Office Manager at the RAF Recruiting Office in Middlesbrough, added: “The RAF is very committed to supporting youth sport in the community and as an equal opportunities employer we are delighted to support Mowden Park Girls’ rugby team. We are pleased that the kit has made such an impact on their performance.”
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