Ali Telford’s Post

Need a hobby that doesn’t involve work? Your whole life can’t be about your job 👀 Finding time for activities you enjoy outside your 9-5 not only gives you something to look forward to during the week, but it also makes you a bit more… interesting 😉 We’re always on the hunt for amazing community clubs, and here are a few we’ve discovered that are bringing people together: 🎳 Hook Lane bowling club for some friendly competition 🍽 One House supper club where great food meets even better conversations 🏸 Ready Rally badminton club to stay active and make new connections These are just a few examples of the great groups out there where you can destress, have fun, and connect—and we’re here to spotlight more! 📲 Check out our Instagram post to see what the vibes are like: https://lnkd.in/euSPw8Eb 💡 Do you belong to a club or community group? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to highlight more amazing spaces! #socialslot #communitygroups #blackprofessionals

Continental, Kwik Fit partner for a more female-friendly rugby For 2025, Continental Tyres aims to “empower young girls and women to participate in rugby by eliminating barriers to their involvement.” The official partner to England Rugby is undertaking this endeavour in partnership with Kwik Fit and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and will focus upon promoting equality in sports and revitalising community spaces, specifically by renovating rugby clubs and boosting facilities for girls, whilst helping local young people to gain hands-on trade and employability skills. Ellie Kildunne, Continental Ambassador and World Rugby 15’s Player of the Year, echoed the importance of this sentiment when she visited Anchorian’s Sport Club in Gillingham: “Projects like this will definitely accelerate girls and women getting involved in rugby.” Kildunne recalled the early days of her rugby career and the experience of getting changed in cars or behind towels. She emphasised that quality, private changing rooms, though seemingly a small step, make girls feel more included in their clubs. These modern facilities are crucial for nurturing the future of women’s rugby. Better facilities having an impact “Working with this partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to improve grassroots sports facilities in communities, whilst also supporting local young people to gain hands-on work experience through our mentoring programme, gaining skills, City & Guilds accreditations and work-readiness on our projects,” says VIY’s Hannah Denny. And it’s clear that the new facilities have already had a profound impact on the young athletes. “The girls were thrilled,” adds Simon Somerset, Anchorian’s Youth & Mini’s Chairman. “Having Ellie here made the day even more special—they won’t forget it.” Making a real difference Continental Tyres emphasises that this partnership with Kwik Fit and VIY spotlights its continued support for Women’s Sport. “We are very proud to be part of this project, and we're thrilled to have Kwik Fit and VIY alongside us,” says Peter Robb, Marketing Director of Continental Tyres. “It’s fantastic to see how it's already making a real difference and creating an inclusive environment where women and girls feel supported in pursuing rugby.” Laura Cowling, Retail Campaign Manager at Kwik Fit, adds: “It’s been inspiring to see the impact the new facilities have already had. We’re delighted to be part of this project with Continental and VIY and build on the long-lasting relationship Kwik Fit staff and customers have with the club. Our team of volunteers from our local centres helped with painting and construction and were thrilled to be able to support an important community asset.” By championing equity in sports, Continental Tyres says it is “inspiring future athletes and fostering inclusivity.” The tyre maker adds: “These upgraded facilities remind us that meaningful change

Continental, Kwik Fit partner for a more female-friendly rugby For 2025, Continental Tyres aims to “empower young girls and women to participate in rugby by eliminating barriers to their involvement.” The official partner to England Rugby is undertaking this endeavour in partnership with Kwik Fit and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and will focus upon promoting equality in sports and revitalising community spaces, specifically by renovating rugby clubs and boosting facilities for girls, whilst helping local young people to gain hands-on trade and employability skills. Ellie Kildunne, Continental Ambassador and World Rugby 15’s Player of the Year, echoed the importance of this sentiment when she visited Anchorian’s Sport Club in Gillingham: “Projects like this will definitely accelerate girls and women getting involved in rugby.” Kildunne recalled the early days of her rugby career and the experience of getting changed in cars or behind towels. She emphasised that quality, private changing rooms, though seemingly a small step, make girls feel more included in their clubs. These modern facilities are crucial for nurturing the future of women’s rugby. Better facilities having an impact “Working with this partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to improve grassroots sports facilities in communities, whilst also supporting local young people to gain hands-on work experience through our mentoring programme, gaining skills, City & Guilds accreditations and work-readiness on our projects,” says VIY’s Hannah Denny. And it’s clear that the new facilities have already had a profound impact on the young athletes. “The girls were thrilled,” adds Simon Somerset, Anchorian’s Youth & Mini’s Chairman. “Having Ellie here made the day even more special—they won’t forget it.” Making a real difference Continental Tyres emphasises that this partnership with Kwik Fit and VIY spotlights its continued support for Women’s Sport. “We are very proud to be part of this project, and we're thrilled to have Kwik Fit and VIY alongside us,” says Peter Robb, Marketing Director of Continental Tyres. “It’s fantastic to see how it's already making a real difference and creating an inclusive environment where women and girls feel supported in pursuing rugby.” Laura Cowling, Retail Campaign Manager at Kwik Fit, adds: “It’s been inspiring to see the impact the new facilities have already had. We’re delighted to be part of this project with Continental and VIY and build on the long-lasting relationship Kwik Fit staff and customers have with the club. Our team of volunteers from our local centres helped with painting and construction and were thrilled to be able to support an important community asset.” By championing equity in sports, Continental Tyres says it is “inspiring future athletes and fostering inclusivity.” The tyre maker adds: “These upgraded facilities remind us that meaningful change

Last Saturday, the Copenhagen Wolves had the honor of hosting the Oslo Raballder team for an exhilarating match right here in Copenhagen! 🇩🇰 As two proud LGBT-inclusive amateur rugby teams, our game was not just about scoring tries, but also about promoting inclusivity and camaraderie. ⭐️ Reflecting on the match, it's clear how the values of teamwork and collaboration in the corporate world resonate deeply on the rugby field. 🏉Just like in business, success in rugby relies on effective communication, trust, and a shared goal. 📈 Every player brings unique skills and strengths to the team, and it's the collective effort that leads to victory. 🏆 However, our match wasn't just about sports—it was about making a statement. LGBT-inclusive rugby teams like ours are not just about playing a game; they're about creating safe spaces where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can come together, feel accepted and thrive. #Rugby #Inclusivity #Diversity #Teamwork 🏉🏳️🌈

The Rugby World Cup comes to the US first in 2031 (men's) and then in 2033 (women's). With a little less than seven years until kickoff, there is tremendous opportunity to prepare the eventual host cities and country-at-large to deliver the biggest and best-viewed World Cups in history. In particular, #Chicago is a generative and visionary space to make an #economic, #social, and #environmental difference leading up to, and during, the 2031/2033 World Cups. Global rugby and global business are fortunate to have a hub in Chicago and its surrounding areas to promote #community and #commerce on the neighborhood and worldwide scales. As we continue to grow our #CRBA collective, we'll all have a hand in growing the greater market. Rugby is a ready vessel. We can't wait to share in unearthing all of its #potential, #impact, and #value. #rugby #business #global #network

"Proud to have contributed to the success of the Vancouver World Cup Fencing Tournament! I recently volunteered at this prestigious international event, and it was an incredible experience! *Key Takeaways:* 1. Gained valuable event management insights 2. Networked with global fencing athletes, officials, and enthusiasts 3. Developed teamwork and communication skills 4. Enhanced my understanding of sports marketing and logistics *Event Highlights:* 1. Witnessed thrilling matches featuring world-class fencers 2. Collaborated with a diverse team of volunteers and staff 3. Contributed to creating an exceptional spectator experience *Personal Growth:* This experience reinforced my passion for community engagement, teamwork, and sports development. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact. *Lessons Learned:* 1. Effective communication is key in high-pressure events 2. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for success 3. Volunteering can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities #Fencing #Volunteer #Vancouver #WorldCup #SportsEvent #CommunityService #PersonalGrowth #Networking"

🏸 Celebrating Strength, Teamwork, and Sportsmanship! 🏸 At Gerry’s Visa, we firmly believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being, and what better way to celebrate these values than through sports? We recently had the pleasure of organizing an exhilarating Women’s Badminton Tournament. This event wasn’t just about competing; it was about creating a space to connect, bond, and embrace the spirit of teamwork and determination. Whether seasoned players or first-timers looking to try something new, the participants brought their energy, enthusiasm, and sheer talent to the court. The tournament wasn’t just a showcase of skill but a testament to the power of community and shared purpose. Here’s to more such initiatives that empower, engage, and celebrate the incredible talent within our organization. Together, we’re smashing barriers and achieving greatness—on and off the court! 🏆 #GerrysVisa #WomenEmpowerment #Teamwork #BadmintonTournament #EmployeeEngagement #YourTrustedPartner

World Rugby unveils Impact Beyond 2025, its ambitious global impact programme to supercharge the rise of women’s rugby beyond 2025. - The plan will allow World Rugby to harness the power of @Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025, maximising its positive impact globally. - Impact Beyond 2025 is built on three core themes and nine strategic initiatives aimed at making rugby stronger and more resilient. - Each theme will ensure that women and girls continue to be at the heart of rugby’s advancement, creating more opportunities at every level. The global impact programme is built around three core themes of profile and participation, careers and gender equity, and capability and expertise within a whole-game approach with the mission of inspiring more women and girls to get into rugby on and off the field of play. 

Meet Jessey Ryan - Founding member of our team and the glue that keeps us together! Take 5 with us to get to know a bit more about what inspires her and how she got into touch rugby... How did you hear about CCRFC Ladies? “I started it with the help of some of the other first team player girlfriends as a bit of a weekly fitness exercise. The idea behind it was to give local women an hours worth of personal time meeting new people and learning new skills. It transformed into Rugby training which, after the group grew to 20+ , I asked if the girls actually wanted to play Touch Rugby and they all said yes!” What made you want to try Touch Rugby? “Most of us that started the ladies club were already associated in some way with the main men’s club so we decided to try Touch Rugby.” What knowledge did you have of Touch Rugby before you joined? “Only the basics, the same basic rules of contact but without the tackling or the scrums 😂” What 3 skills have you gained since joining the team? “I have opened myself up to other people which is something I generally find quite difficult (my mother would say I have a heart of stone). I have become more aware of my fitness and my eagerness to be fitter for the benefit of me and my team. I am more of a team player than I ever have been before.” What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining? “Please come along. Turning up is half the battle and the ultimate test of anyone’s confidence, especially joining a group of women. Once you’re in your family. We’re understanding, supportive, eager to develop and inspire other women into the world of sport. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone that turned up to their first session, that came along and have stuck with it and been a part of the growth of the Ladies Team. I feel very privileged to have made some lovely friends and am so pleased to be a part of this amazing ladies team.” Why is CCRFC Ladies important to you? “I am a huge ambassador for women especially working in a male dominated industry. Sport should not be any different. Women have the right to feel a part of something, part of a team, supported by their team mates, and they have the right to feel important! In this team every single woman matters! Every single woman is important.” Describe the ladies team in 3 words? “Motivational, Inspiring, Friendship” What do you like to do to unwind other than rugby? “I like films, I play piano, read music, I sing and I’m learning Japanese.” #meettheteam #touchrugby #ladiessports #womenssports

As the Six Nations Rugby kicks off today, it's exciting to see how Rugby Union is growing. From record-breaking viewership at the 2023 Rugby World Cup to the Six Nations Championship, Rugby is capturing hearts worldwide. What's driving the growth? - Digital Engagement: Leveraging social media and influencer partnerships to connect with fans globally. - Community Engagement: Grassroots programs and inclusive campaigns promoting local participation and Women's Rugby. - Sponsorships: Collaborations with major brands and extensive broadcast deals are inspiring more people to follow the sport. - Mental Health Initiatives: From Owen Farrell announcing last year that he was taking a break from international Rugby to prioritise his, and his families mental wellbeing, to the LooseHeadz initiative, and the incredible TV show (That I think should have had a prime slot) "Unbreakable: England 2003" it is clear to see that changes are being made to break the stigma in Sport. Women's rugby is also on the rise, with increased visibility, role models like Ilona Maher who was recently signed by Bristol Bears, and dedicated development programs. Rugby Union is not just a sport; it's a community. Let's celebrate its growth and have a superb Six Nations! #RugbyUnion #SixNations #MarketingStrategy #SportsMarketing #WomensRugby #BristolBears #Inspiring #LooseHeadz #Mind #EnglandRugby #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness