This week we are celebrating women in sport at Royal Holloway but also beyond campus walls as we recognise the extraordinary women who have shaped the sporting world to increase diversity, promote inclusion and empower other women to take on a new sport to challenge male-dominated fields.
This week we are celebrating women in sport at Royal Holloway but also beyond campus walls as we recognise the extraordinary women who have shaped the sporting world to increase diversity, promote inclusion and empower other women to take on a new sport to challenge male-dominated fields.
Did you know that the sports kits at Royal Holloway are green, purple, and white to honour the suffragette colours? Additionally, the gold post box outside the Windsor Building commemorates alumna and Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christiansen, who graduated with an MSci in Mathematics in 2011. Sport at Royal Holloway is deeply rooted in feminist and revolutionary history.
With so many amazing women's sports teams to get involved with at Royal Holloway, who better to ask about being a woman in sport than someone who plays? Jess, Student Voice Campaign Assistant and master’s student at Royal Holloway, answered this question and spoke about playing lacrosse and what being a woman in sports means to her.
Joining the Lacrosse club as a fresher was a daunting prospect for me, I had never even seen the sport played before, let alone picked up a stick. With sport at school having always been a source of anxiety, I was pretty nervous before going to my first taster session, but I found the environment here couldn’t have been more different, and joining the 2s development team was one of the best decisions I made at university! The community and friendships I made in my first year played a major part in building confidence in myself and my abilities, and meeting people who I am still close friends with even after graduation. My team pushed me to improve, and I was promoted to the 1st team in my second year, and went on to captain the team in my third year, which ended up being one of the highlights of my time here as an undergraduate.
Being a woman in sport, especially a sport which can be as aggressive as lacrosse is, often pushed me out of my comfort zone. But this challenge has definitely benefitted me. Sport for me is a major stress outlet, not only in the benefits of physical activity, but I could rely on my team both on and off the pitch for support and encouragement, even when I was having a bad day and just wanted to have a throw about. It’s been so rewarding seeing other women join the club as beginners like I had been, and watching their skills, confidence, and enjoyment of the sport progress throughout the year. With the prospect of Lacrosse Sixes being played in the 2028 Olympics, the sport is only going to grow! Inspiring this growth is one of the biggest names in the lacrosse world right now, Charlotte North, a US player who is steamrolling records in all-time goals scored, and is tipped to lead the US national team next season. Not only is North an electrifying presence on the pitch, but her commitment to promoting the sport to women makes her one of my biggest inspirations!
Active Lifestyle and Sport (ALS) are hosting events and active sessions throughout the week to celebrate women in sport. Join ALS for active sessions such as, a networking session with Netball, and a Sports Day with Feminism Society that showcase of the strength, determination, and teamwork.
See the full list of events and click the links for more information:
Monday 10 March
- Give Dance Fitness A Go: Join Dance Club for this free session that will focus on cardio, stretching and corner work of dance skills like kicks, leaps and turns. This session is perfect for beginners to help them get into dance. Please book your place via the Royal Holloway Sport App.
- Female Power Spin Class: Join David for this Women’s History Month themed spin class. The class will combine cardio and endurance in a fun session. It’s great for giving you all the cardiovascular gains, as well as toning muscles too. Free with membership, please book via the Royal Holloway Sport App.
Tuesday 11 March
- Beginner Women’s Football: Our free coached session is perfect for those new to the sport. You will build confidence, learn game rules and enjoy playing with others at a similar skill level. Please book via the Royal Holloway Sport App.
- Women’s Learn 2 Lift: Learn the basic free weight movement patterns taught by a qualified personal trainer (male) in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Free with membership, please book via the Royal Holloway Sport App.
Friday 14 March
- Women in Sport Session: Join the Feminism Society for this free session that aims to offer a variety of activity for you and your friends to get involved in. From dart football & Table Tennis to badminton and old-fashioned sports day activities it looks to be a fun filled afternoon.
We can’t wait to celebrate Women in Sport Week with you! To see how women in sport at Royal Holloway are marking the occasion, check out the socials of the amazing women’s sports clubs and get involved in their plans for Women’s History Month.
You can find the full list of women’s sports clubs here - Sports