Solar EV North backs next generation of Northumberland female rugby players

A North East solar company is backing the next generation of female rugby players after sponsoring the North Valkyries U16 girls team - who represent the communities of Ashington and Alnwick - with new playing kits.

The sponsorship has a particularly personal connection for Solar EV North Director Kristen Southern, whose daughter plays for the team.

Kristen has first-hand experience of seeing the commitment the girls put into their rugby, as well as the challenges girls' grassroots rugby can face in getting the recognition and visibility it deserves.

“Having a daughter who plays for the North Valkyries, I've seen first-hand how much effort these girls put into their rugby,” said Kristen.

“They deserve to feel that their efforts are being recognised and supported. We wanted to provide something practical that would make a difference to the team and, hopefully, help the girls feel proud of what they're achieving.”

The sponsorship comes at a time when women's rugby is enjoying unprecedented attention, with England's Red Roses inspiring a new generation of players and supporters. For Kristen, the sport has been an important part of his own life for many years. An Army veteran, he played rugby during his military service and was also a match mascot for England when they played New Zealand while he was serving.

“Rugby has been a big part of my life, both personally and during my time in the Army,” he said. “To see how far the women's game has come, and to see the inspiration England's players are giving young girls, is fantastic. But that pathway starts at grassroots level, with local clubs and volunteers giving girls the opportunity to play.”

Fellow Solar EV North Director Cameron Ferguson said the company was proud to support the team and the wider local rugby community. He added: “We're delighted to support the North Valkyries U16s. These young players are representing their local communities and putting a huge amount of time and effort into their rugby.

“The new kits are a small thing in the bigger picture, but we hope they show the girls that people and businesses in their community believe in what they're doing.”

The North Valkyries bring young players together from the local rugby community, giving girls the opportunity to play, develop and compete alongside teammates from different clubs.

For Solar EV North, the sponsorship is about more than putting a company logo on a rugby shirt. “As a local business, we want to support the communities around us,” explained Kristen. “If we can help give these girls a better experience and encourage even more young players to get involved in rugby, then that's something we're very proud to be part of.”