Cambourne Village College student Calla Crome recognised as influencer of the year at Girls’ Active Awards 2019

Calla Crome’s efforts to promote girls’ rugby have been recognised nationally at the Girls’ Active Awards 2019 at the Houses of Parliament.

The Year 11 Cambourne Village College student was named influencer of the year at Girls’ Active Awards, which are delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and supported by This Girl Can and Women in Sport, with National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Crome’s nomination had come after she spoke to girls at the school, and petitioned for an after-school girls’ rugby club and volunteered her own time to make it happen.

She also ran the Girls’ Active club every week for girls who feel less confident in PE and sport, and she continued to get girls involved in PE and extra-curricular sports clubs.

Crome’s engagement and influence with other girls across the school changed perceptions of rugby, and they have a club of more than 20.

She collected her award at a ceremony hosted by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, that was attended by winners of the other categories and Girls’ Active ambassadors.

Hannah Curtis, head of PE at Cambourne Village College, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Calla and all her efforts in promoting girls’ rugby.

“She has gone above and beyond to ensure that girls are having the same opportunities as boys to play rugby and is fully deserving of this award.”

Crome told the Youth Sport Trust: “After being told by a coach that I wouldn’t succeed at rugby because I was a girl, I was motivated to convince all girls to feel they have the strength to conquer anything they put their minds to.

“Since starting rugby, many girls have felt more confident not only in sport but also in themselves.

“I wish for all girls to know that they can succeed in anything, regardless of gender, race or age – which is why I want to continue this with primary schools to encourage the next generation of girls.”