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YTP AMBASSADOR REFLECTS ON ‘SPECIAL’ EXPERIENCE OF REPRESENTING TEAM ENGLAND AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports proudly congratulates Jess Bailey, one of its Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors, on her exceptional performances representing Team England at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

Team England’s squad of 57 athletes competed in four of the sports and 65 medal events over the six days of the competition. They won 49 medals – 16 gold, 23 silver and 10 bronze – placing the team second in the overall medal table.

Reflecting on the experience, Jess admitted her journey to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games has been a dream come true. “Having the opportunity to represent Team England has been one of the best experiences of my life,” shared Jess. “It’s a crazy feeling to pull on the England vest and represent your country, especially at a competition as prestigious as the Commonwealth Youth Games, and this feeling is one I am very grateful to have experienced.”

Competing in the 3000m event and finishing 4th in a time of 9:38.08, Jess faced a unique set of challenges. “One of the biggest challenges in my event was the heat and humidity. I tried to prepare for this beforehand by going in the sauna several times in the final weeks before we left for the Games, but the run was still unbelievably hard in difficult conditions.”

“Fortunately, the 3000m was on the last day, and by that time we had adapted to the heat. The heat barely even crossed my mind during the race.”

The Commonwealth Youth Games is not only a platform for showcasing athletic prowess, but also a celebration of unity and camaraderie amongst the athletes. Jess shared her experience, saying, “The games definitely felt like it was set up in a way to encourage different nations to make friends.

“All the athletes had been given their nations badge to trade with other nations, which got all the different countries talking and encouraged all of us to make friends and talk to people we wouldn’t have met otherwise. I thought that was brilliant and I made many international friends because of it.”

Drawing on from her journey, Jess offered insightful advice to young athletes aspiring to reach international levels of competition and represent Team England in the future. “My advice would be to just stick with it,” she encouraged. “It’s easy to get hyper focused on just one race / championships, getting disappointed and, if it doesn’t work out, forgetting the bigger picture.

“Disappointment is part of the sport and can be used as motivation as long as it’s managed well.”

Jess also expressed her gratitude for the pivotal figures who have supported her athletics journey. “My dad is definitely the person who, without a doubt, I would never have made it as far in athletics,” she acknowledged. “Both my dad and Mum know me so well and I’m so grateful to have them both by my side.”

Looking forward, Jess’s aspirations extend beyond personal achievements. “I want to make a career out of athletics,” she revealed. “I love training and getting to spend every day dedicated to this sport [athletics] would be a dream come true!”

Kukri would like to congratulate Jess and all of the Team England athletes on their fantastic achievements at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

We were proud to provide the kit that helped athletes to thrive in their sport and be honoured to represent their country.

Click here to relieve this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

#UnleashGreatness

KUKRI’S SUPPORT FOR PARA-ATHLETES IN SPORT

Over the last month, we are proud to have run a campaign honouring the achievements and commitment of para-athletes across a variety of sports.

The campaign sought to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the talent and perseverance of para-athletes, as well as highlighting our dedication to promoting inclusivity in sports, and creating a level playing field for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities.

Among the remarkable stories during the campaign was the interview with Egyptian Badminton star, Yasmina Eissa, and Loughborough’s Head of Para Sport, Alasdair Donaldson.

Eissa, formerly the Vice Chair of the Para Sports Exec at Loughborough University, spoke of her excitement about the future of para sports, whilst Donaldson explained more on Loughborough University’s efforts and commitment in creating an inclusive sporting landscape for their students.

Click here to read the full interview.

We also collaborated with Special Olympics Great Britain, speaking with talented athletes, Matthew Brough, who competes in tennis, and Ethan Orton, who competes in badminton. Both athletes reflected on their triumphs at this year’s World Games in Berlin, and how they aim to use their experience of the Special Olympics to encourage more disabled athletes to participate in sport.

Click here to read the full interview.

YTP Ambassador Amy Thompson’s recent victory in the Women’s Ambulant shot put at the Senior & Para Open Championships is another step towards her long-term goals. Thompson, who also equalled her personal best in the Women’s Under-18 shot put at Loughborough Pathway Internationals, touched on the barriers she has overcome and her aim to make sport more inclusive in the future.

Click here to watch the full interview.

Speaking about the campaign, Andrew Ronnie, Group Executive Chairman at Kukri Sports, said, “We are very proud to have launched this campaign dedicated to shining a light on para-athletes. The accomplishments of these athletes are a testament to them and their relentless dedication, and we are proud to continue to provide elite sportswear that will help them perform at their best and feel comfortable whilst competing.”

Kukri remains dedicated to advancing inclusivity in sports and creating a more accessible and supportive environment for all athletes.

We are proud to be partnered with British Wheelchair Basketball and Special Olympics, as well as a host of Universities, schools and clubs in supporting their para-athletes across a wide range of sports.

Supporting Para-Athletes in sport: YTP Ambassador & Shot Put Champion Amy Thompson

As part of our ongoing campaign on supporting para-athletes in sport, Kukri Sports recently caught up with Youth Talent Programme Ambassador and para-athlete, Amy Thompson.

Thompson, who joined Kukri as a YTP Ambassador last year, is a remarkable para-athlete who was recently crowed Ambulant Shot Put Champion at this year’s England Athletic Open and Senior Para Championships.

Commenting on her triumph, Thompson was full of pride, “Being Ambulant shot put champion means a lot to me. It shows my development over the past year, as last year I hadn’t medalled at the Senior Championships.

“I also loved the experience of competing alongside able-bodied shot putters.”

Thompson, who initially started her journey into sports at a young age after joining Dwarf Sports Association, recounts her eventual transition into shot put and discus. “The charity really helped me and other people by introducing dwarfism to sport.

“I started throwing frisbees and cricket balls, and then I got picked up from a local club because I was pretty good at it. As I got older, I moved onto shot put and discus with a club in Wavertree. It’s just evolved from there, where it’s gradually got more competitive and moved into para sports.”

Thompson also touched on her training, and the preparation required for each discipline. “Shot put requires a lot of speed and that applies to discus too. You need speed and momentum to get it far, and then you also need a lot of flexibility in your joints to get as much momentum as you can around the implements,” she explains, emphasising the dedication and hard work that have led to her success.

As a Kukri YTP Ambassador, Amy aims to promote awareness about para-athletes participating in both shot put and discus events, whilst also tackling the stigma and stereotypes around para-athletes.

“What England Athletics are doing with the Youth Talent Programme is really good with the inclusion of para-athletes. It’s really helped with the integration between the YTP athletes and the para-athletes because it creates a relative between us all.

“It’s nice as we all know each other and can support each other in future competitions that we might be in.”

Being a para-athlete in both shot put and discus has shaped her perspective on the importance of adaptive sports and inclusivity. “When I initially started shot put and discus at a young age, it took me a while to adapt to the weights and implements involved compared to other able-bodied athletes my age.

“I think it’s important that every implement is adapted to suit the individual needs of athletes with differing disabilities. It’s important that this is done, as it would not only help the adaptiveness of competitions, but also increase participation for disabled athletes who might currently be restricted,” she explains.

Throughout her journey, she draws inspiration from sporting role models, such as Jonnie Peacock and seven-time Paralympic champion, Hannah Cockroft. “It’s great to see them flourishing in their sport, and I take a lot of inspiration from both of them.”

In Thompson’s opinion, the shotput and discus events stand out as inclusive for para-athletes due to the change of weights, implements, and sizes, along with the introduction of the Raza point score system, enabling fair comparisons among athletes of differing levels of disability.

To cope with the pressure of competition, she adopts a focused mindset. “I stay focused and just stick to my own distances. My mum used to say, ‘you are here to break your own personal best and not anyone else’s,’ and that has really helped me to stay focused on myself and not get distracted by other athletes,” she reveals.

Reflecting on the challenges faced as a para-athlete, Thompson addressed the misconceptions and the importance of showcasing disabled athletes in the media. “The pre-conception of disabled athletes is stereotypical; they think we’re not as capable as able-bodied athletes.

“I’m frustrated for disabled athletes that don’t get into sports because they get into the mindset that they are not able to get into sport when everyone else is.

“If it’s shown more within the mainstream media, then other athletes looking to participate will feel more inspired and encouraged to get into sport,” she advocates.

Looking ahead, Amy aspires to continue developing her athletic performances and participating in bigger and better competitions. She also aims to play a more active role in the media industry, posting frequently on her channels to drive the narrative of acceptance for disabled athletes in sports.

To her fellow para-athletes who might be hesitate to pursue shot put, discus, or any other sport due to their disability, she sends an empowering message, “From my experiences, sport really helps you to grow your confidence, and it really helps you on a personal level and with your mental well-being too.”

Kukri is proud to stand alongside Amy Thompson in her journey as a disabled athlete in sport. We fully support her in her aims to promote awareness, inclusivity, and recognition for other para-athletes’ dedication and achievements.

For more information about Amy Thompson, click here.

Visit the news section of our website to view more content in our mission to support para-athletes in sport.

#UnleashGreatness

“IT’S SOMETHING I’VE ALWAYS DREAMT ABOUT AND WANTED TO ACHIEVE”: SPECIAL OLYMPICS GB STARS REFLECT ON WORLD GAMES

As part of our ongoing campaign on supporting para-athletes in sport, Kukri Sports recently sat down with two Special Olympics Great Britain stars to discuss their experience of this year’s World Games.

Kukri Sports, a committed advocate for inclusivity in sports, is delighted to share an interview with Special Olympics Great Britain stars, Matthew Brough and Ethan Orton. This interview is part of our ongoing campaign to show our support for para athletes and shed light on their remarkable achievements in the world of sports.

Matthew Brough, a talented tennis player, and Ethan Orton, a skilled badminton player, both represented Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games, showcasing their extraordinary talents on an international stage.

Matthew shared his pride of representing Great Britain for the first time at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, where he accomplished a dream he had set his sights on. “It’s something I’ve always dreamt about and wanted to achieve. Last year, I won an award for York Disabled Sports Person of the Year, and I said at the time my goal was to qualify for the World Games in Berlin, and I did just that.”

His teammate, Ethan, was also full of pride when reflecting on his achievements at this year’s World Games in Berlin. “Representing Special Olympics GB is the best sporting achievement in my life up to this point. It means everything to me as I’m not only representing Wales, my country, but also the whole of the UK, which was great to be a part of.

“Winning gold in the Badminton men’s singles was an amazing feeling. I was proud enough to compete, but to win gold and silver medals on top of that, whilst also overcoming my barriers leading up to the games, was fantastic for me on a personal level.”

The Special Olympics Games also brought memorable moments for Matthew, where he won bronze in the mixed doubles with his teammate, Emily Clarke, and secured a gold medal in the men’s singles against Team Brazil. Reflecting on the accomplishments, he expressed his pride, saying, “To win a gold medal was just an amazing feeling. I’ve been showing them around my hometown, and everyone has been fully supportive and happy for me.

It’s amazing to show them and repay the support that everyone has shown me throughout my athletic career up to this point.”

Matthew also acknowledged the unwavering support from his coaches, Paul Singleton and Chris Enock, as well as his family, who have played a significant role in his journey. “Having someone to talk to like my coaches made me feel much more relaxed, which then helped my performance on the court.

The positive feedback and energy that my coaches gave me and my teammates helped to motivate us and play the best we can.”

The athletes shared their passion for promoting Special Olympics and breaking barriers in the sporting world. “I think there needs to be more recognition of the Special Olympics, because we have athletes who are capable of competing in the Paralympic Games in the future,” added Ethan.

Matthew said, “We’re fortunate to get this opportunity, and it’s something that I would like more people to know about because, in my opinion, it’s the best sporting event in the world. It’s the best inclusive sporting event ever.”

Ethan’s journey with Special Olympics GB has not only brought him sporting success, but has also transformed his life and mental health. He shared, “Competing in sports has helped my behaviour and improved my mental health.

“When I was younger, I was playing against mainstream players in mainstream competitions. I wasn’t doing very well and that affected me and put me down, but then my badminton coach from my local club had a contact from Special Olympics. The coach from Special Olympics came to see me play and eventually took me on.”

As part of their future goals, both athletes aspire to further promote Special Olympics and inspire younger athletes with disabilities. Matthew said, “I want to inspire lots of others with special needs to participate in sport and achieve their dreams, and, most importantly, be happy with what they are doing,”

Ethan added, “I want to try and make clubs recognise Special Olympics more. There’s people with disabilities at clubs that don’t know anything about it or the benefits it can bring, so I hope promoting Special Olympics more will really help in increasing long-term participation.

“There are always going to be people who bring you down, you’ve just got to ignore them and try your best. Opportunities are out there, you’ve just got to go and find them and prove to everyone that you are as capable as anyone else, and that’s what we want to raise more awareness of in the future.”

Kukri remains committed to supporting athletes with disabilities, like Matthew Brough and Ethan Orton, and would like to congratulate them and their teammates’ extraordinary achievements at this year’s World Games.

Kukri is a proud partner of Special Olympics GB. Click here to find out more about them.

Click here to view more of our supporting para sports content.

#UnleashGreatness

Exclusive interview with Egyptian Badminton star and Loughborough’s Head of para sport

As part of Kukri Sports’ ongoing commitment to celebrating the accomplishments and perseverance of para-athletes, we are proud to present an exclusive interview featuring Alasdair Donaldson, Head of Para Sport at Loughborough University, and Egyptian Badminton star, Yasmina Eissa.

Yasmina Eissa, an Egyptian badminton player and current Loughborough university student, shared her inspiring journey into the world of para sports. “I’ve always been passionate about badminton and was very active when I was younger, competing in a variety of sports.

“When my coach discovered para sports and encouraged me to participate in the World Championships in Korea, it opened up a whole new world for me. I realised the potential of para-badminton and how it allows athletes like me to excel. From there, I knew that was the sport I wanted to continue competing in moving forwards.”

Eissa, who was also the Vice Chair of the Para Sports Exec at Loughborough University this year, continues to play her part in striving towards inclusivity. “Throughout the year we have enjoyed a lot of events, whether that be the ‘Para Sports takeover week’, where we get a lot of people to learn more about para sports and try out para sports such as Wheelchair Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball.

“It allows students with disabilities to come out and play their sport, which they wouldn’t have been able to do in the past because it wasn’t as inclusive.”

Expressing her excitement about the future of para sports, Eissa said, “I believe that para sports can achieve even greater recognition and exposure, just like women’s sports. London 2012 was a turning point for the Olympics, and I hope to see more coverage and opportunities for para-athletes on a global stage.

“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions when you think of the Paralympics, so for me it’s about debunking any myths or stereotypes, and really showing people what it actually is and the talent within it.”

Alasdair Donaldson, who was appointed Loughborough University’s new Head of Para Sport last year following almost ten years at British Triathlon, has played a pivotal role in promoting para sports at Loughborough University.

Donaldson, who graduated from Loughborough University in 1998, shared his thoughts on the university’s long-standing history of supporting para-athletes. “Para sports is not a new thing at Loughborough University, but the focus on it is.

“We have witnessed some exceptional athletes over recent years like Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Clare Griffiths, and Dan Greaves, who have all graduated from Loughborough and achieved incredible success in their respective para sports careers.

The university has been a nurturing ground for para-athletes, fostering an inclusive environment where they train alongside their non-disabled peers.”

Highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting para-athletes in balancing their athletic pursuits and studies, Donaldson said, “The focus goes on the person first; they are here to be students, and we work with them to find a balance between their athletic commitments and academic studies.

“Our cooperative and integrated coaching and support teams ensure that all student-athletes, regardless of their abilities, receive the necessary assistance to thrive and flourish in their sport.”

Donaldson emphasised Loughborough university’s commitment to creating an inclusive sporting landscape and their ambitious plans for the future. “We want to ensure para athletes get the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

“We are establishing a Universities/Higher Education working group, where para sports will take the front seat. Our aim is to make every one of our 62 Athletics clubs inclusive and welcoming to everyone who wants to participate.”

Donaldson also touched on Loughborough university’s dedication to increasing the provision for disabled students to engage in sports. “We want to make sure that those who were told at school that sports wasn’t for them have the opportunity to participate. We aim to expand para-coaching provisions with various sports and encourage disabled participants to become confident leaders in sports.

We go into the community and bring the community into us as effectively as we can. The work done by our students, like Abbie Breakwell, who runs participatory events for wheelchair tennis every week, is a testament to the positive impact of community engagement in developing sports for everyone.”

Kukri remains committed to championing para sports and promoting the stories of exceptional athletes like Yasmina Eissa.

Kukri are proud partners of Loughborough University – providing brand-new match apparel, training and leisurewear across the whole of Loughborough’s varied sporting offer. Click here to find out more about them.

Keep an eye out for more para sports content coming soon.

KUKRI SPORTS YTP AMBASSADOR SELECTED TO REPRESENT TEAM ENGLAND AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

Kukri Sports is proud to announce that one of its Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors has been chosen to represent Team England at this year’s highly anticipated Commonwealth Youth Games.

Jess Bailey, who will be competing in the 3000m, has been confirmed as one of 31 athletes who will represent Team England on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago from 4-11 August.

The competition will provide a global platform for Jess to showcase her skills and compete against some of the finest, young athletes in athletics.

Reflecting on the news, Jess said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity, and hope to do my country proud.

“It’s been a long road since picking up a stress fracture in my foot last year. I had 6 weeks in a cast and 4 weeks in a boot and I had lost all my confidence after I began cross training again in February.

“I thought it would take at least a year to re-gain full fitness and get back to where I was. Fortunately, I was wrong, I spent several months just focusing on what I could control and on the little things, and now less than five months since my boot was removed, I have been selected to represent my country in Trinidad & Tobago.”

Raised in a sports-oriented family, Jess was exposed to various sports from an early age. Starting with gymnastics and netball, she later discovered a passion for running.

Reflecting on her athletics journey so far, Jess expressed, “I have loved my time in athletics so far, and although there have been ups and downs, overall, it has been such a positive journey. The adrenaline from racing and the feeling of pushing yourself to the limit is unbeatable.

“Through running, I have been fortunate enough to travel to Thailand, Italy, Israel, and Ireland. Those experiences have been amazing, I have made friends around the world and have had opportunities to experience different cultures I never would have had the chance to see otherwise.”

Looking ahead to the future, Jess is determined to let her training do the talking and will continue to stay grounded, “Training and competing in this sport is one of the things I love most in life, and to get to do that every day would be such a privilege.

“I would love to be a professional runner and compete internationally as a senior. For now though, I’m just going to keep training hard, enjoy the process and not take anything for granted.”

Kukri would also like to congratulate its other YTP Ambassadors on their achievements so far this year. Amy Thompson equalled her personal best in the Women’s Under-18s shot put at this year’s Loughborough Pathway International with 7.94m, which is a world paralympic consideration standard.

Amongst other achievements, Kai Barham was crowned Under-20s Hammer Thrower Men’s Champion at the England Athletics Under-23 and Under-20 Championships in Chelmsford.

Gracie Wall was also victorious in the Championships, winning the Women’s Under-20 High Jump gold medal with a winning jump of 1.78 metres, a personal best that pushes her to third place in this year’s UK Under-20 rankings.

Gracie, who has achieved the qualification standard for the British Championships and will now be competing this week in Manchester, reflects on her journey so far with immense pride, “I have always watched athletics on the TV and participated in a few events in PE at my Primary School.

“I joined an athletics club at the age of 7 and tried all the events, but began high jump when I was 10. Since then, I have competed and focused on high jump, continuing to improve and develop my performances, all whilst enjoying the opportunities the sport gives me and loving the journey with my coach and friends.

Looking ahead, Gracie has ambitious goals for her future in high jump, “My main aim and aspiration is for my performances to be recognised and rewarded by being selected for Great Britain. I want to challenge myself and deliver high-quality performances on a bigger stage.

“By having clear goals of the heights and aspirations I want to reach, this gives me an incentive and motivates me. Along with success, challenges also feed motivation – all these factors drive me more to achieve my goals and be the best version of myself.”

Kukri is proud to support all our Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors and would like to congratulate them on their achievements so far this year.

As the countdown to the Commonwealth Youth Games begins, Kukri will continue to support Jess in her preparations, ensuring she has the necessary resources to compete at her best.

With a strong commitment to youth development and whilst empowering the next generation of athletes, Kukri remains dedicated to achieving excellence in sports worldwide.

We would like to wish all our YTP Ambassadors the best of luck in their competitions for the rest of the year.

Click here to read find out more about this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

Click here to find out more about our YTP Ambassadors.

Kukri Sports’ support for para-athletes

Kukri Sports is delighted to launch a new campaign dedicated to showing its support for para-athletes and acknowledging their exceptional accomplishments across a wide range of sports.

This follows on from recent campaigns, which focused on women, men and youth athletes in their chosen sport. They included exclusive interviews with professional Cricket, Netball, Gymnastics & Rugby stars, as well as experiencing a day in the life of Ireland’s rising boxing star, Kieran Molloy, and Northern Diamonds spin bowler Katie Levick.

Throughout July, Kukri will be collaborating with para-athletes from a wide variety of sports. These athletes, who have conquered barriers and overcome obstacles, will provide insightful information for aspiring para-athletes and demonstrate the limitless possibilities that can be achieved through dedication and determination.

We will also be providing a platform for para-athletes from our partners, whilst also showcasing how our products continue to evolve in order to help them perform at their optimum level.

Speaking about the campaign, Kukri Sports’ Sales Director, Josh Beal, stated, “We are honoured to launch this campaign and provide a platform to celebrate para-athletes’ incredible accomplishments. Our aim is to promote diversity and inclusivity by providing sportswear that they feel comfortable, are able to perform and can be proud to wear whilst also helping to foster a society where every individual is recognised for their abilities, regardless of limitations.”

By highlighting the incredible talent and achievements of para-athletes, Kukri hopes to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equal sporting landscape.

Throughout this campaign and with the support of our partners, Kukri hopes to empower para-athletes, inspire the next generation, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse sports industry.

Supporting Youth In Sport: Wrap Up

Over the last month, Kukri Sports has been proud to have placed a spotlight on the accomplishments of young, talented athletes across a wide range of sports.

The campaign aimed to provide a platform for these rising stars to showcase their skills, dedication to their sport, inspire others, and pave the way for their future success.

Among the remarkable stories during the campaign was the inspirational journey of Connie Clarke, an upcoming rugby star. Connie, who plays for one of Kukri’s rugby partners, Preston Grasshoppers, revealed how she went from nearly walking away from the sport to scoring two tries on her England Under-18s debut.

Click here to read more of our interview with Connie Clarke.

We also collaborated with British Gymnastics to speak with talented Rhythmic Gymnasts, Marfa Ekimova and Louise Christie. The pair outlined their dedication to the sport, how gymnastics has shaped their life so far and their goals for the future.

Click here to watch the full interview.

Reflecting on the campaign, Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, said, “Our commitment to nurturing young talent goes beyond just providing sportswear. We believe the power of sport to transform lives and communities. It has been fantastic to witness the dedication and talent of these young athletes across a wide range of sports, and we are excited to continue to play a role in their journey towards achieving success.”

Kukri Sports remains committed to its mission of empowering youth in sport beyond the campaign’s conclusion. We will continue to support young athletes through sponsorships, partnerships, and ongoing initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for aspiring athletes to succeed.

Keep an eye out for our next campaign coming soon, which will aim to demonstrate how we provide support for para-athletes across different sports.

Youth in sport: Preston Grasshoppers and England star shares her inspiring journey

As part of our ongoing campaign on supporting youth in sport, we spoke with upcoming rugby star, Connie Clarke, on her journey from nearly quitting the sport to scoring two tries on her England Under-18s debut, as well as her hopes for the future.

Clarke, who has the potential to be a future rugby union star, first joined Preston Grasshoppers at the age of 7. The youngster discovered her passion for the game at a young age after being influenced by her family’s connection to the sport.

After learning about her Grandfather’s impressive career with England School Boys in the 1950’s, she and her brother embarked on a rugby journey that has led her onto some incredible achievements.

Reflecting on her early years, Clarke shared, “I first went down to a local rugby team aged 5. I went down with my older brother and sister at the time, and since then me and my brother kept playing all the way through.

“Me and my brother have got our Grandfather as an end point of what we want to achieve in our careers, we want to do it for him and build on his legacy. At the same time, we really enjoy playing and get such a buzz from it which ignited our drive to keep playing as we got older.”

Throughout her journey up to this point, Clarke has faced challenges as a female player in what was a historically male-dominated sport. However, the youngster admits she has witnessed a positive transformation in the acceptance and inclusivity of girls in rugby. “If you go to any rugby club in the country now, they accept girls and boys of all abilities, which is a big positive,” Clarke said.

“I was lucky to be part of a club who accepted me and allowed me to play, but when I played for other clubs they had never seen a girl play rugby. If a girl was to join a team it was quite difficult for them to fit in as they would feel too uncomfortable.”

One of the significant milestones in Clarke’s career up to this point was her England Under-18s debut, which came in their bicentennial anniversary game with Wales at Rugby School back in March. Overwhelmed with joy, she shared, “Once the email came through, I searched for my name, and once I found it, I was just over the moon.

“As it sunk in I told my family and then realised I would be playing in front of a bigger crowd than I was used to, which was initially daunting, but I managed to push that aside and just focused on the excitement of getting to play and represent my country.”

Clarke’s dedication and talent were evident as she scored two superb tries in a convincing 48-5 victory for England. Reflecting on the moment, she said, “At that point, it just felt like I was doing my job and scoring a try for the team I was playing for. But when I was running back to the halfway line, I heard the stadium announcer mention my name, ‘The scorer for England is Connie Clarke.’

“Then I heard all my family cheering from the distance, and that just boosted my energy even more – it was an amazing feeling.”

Balancing rugby with academic studies has been a priority for Clarke, who emphasizes the importance of maintaining an even playing field. “When I need to focus on my studies, that comes first,” she said.

“Sometimes, if I’ve been at an England training camp over the weekend, I’ll ask Preston Grasshoppers if I can miss a week’s training as I have to focus on work, and they are really understanding of that.”

Clarke’s journey has been marked by memorable experiences, particularly her involvement with Preston Grasshoppers. Recalling her early days with the girls’ team, she faced initial challenges due to the limited number of players.

“It was quite hard for me because I was used to turning up to training and doing something that was valuable, but there wasn’t much you could do with five girls.

“At that point, I had lost the motivation to keep playing. I was close to giving up and fell out of love with it because I wasn’t playing or developing, but my coach at Hoppers, Steve Tiernan, said it would only get better and I trusted him that it would.”

Clarke credits her coaches and mentors for her development as a player. Their belief in her abilities and constant guidance have propelled her to new heights. From her coach at Preston Grasshoppers to the trainers at Sale, they have played an instrumental role in shaping her skills and preparing her for higher levels of competition.

“I trained really hard and eventually got into the centre of excellence at Sale. All the coaches there then prepare all the girls for the next steps, and they focused not only my performance on the field, but also everything else off it that helps to shape you as a player.

“Eventually, I got picked up by England, which was an amazing feeling, and that wouldn’t have happened without the support of my coaches at ‘Hoppers’ and Sale.”

Looking ahead, Clarke’s ambitions include playing for the Senior Red Roses, the pinnacle of achievement in English women’s rugby.

“That’s always been the dream for me and I will do what it takes to make it happen. I’m moving down to Exeter next year, so hopefully if I keep training hard I can get into the Allianz Premier 15s and play for a team in that competition.”

Everyone at Kukri Sports wishes Connie success in her future career!

Kukri Sports are proud partners of Preston Grasshoppers – click here to find out more about the team.

Keep an eye out for more youth in sport content coming soon.