A Liskeard and Looe girl’s rugby group is looking for support to raise £5,000 to help develop its teams.

Liskeard and Looe Mini Rugby Club girls’ section has launched a crowdfunder to purchase equipment and kit to engage more girls in South East Cornwall in its activities.

The club also aims to recruit additional coaches.

They are offering various rewards in return for donations to help reach their goal, which include Exeter Chiefs’ cup tickets as well as British and Irish Lions supporter tops, caps and rucksacks.

So far the appeal has raised nearly £1,000 toward the target.

Kate Reed, from Liskeard and Looe Mini Rugby, said: “We currently have 23 players across the under 12, 14, 16 and 18 age groups.

“We want to increase participation and become the biggest, sustainable girl’s section in South East Cornwall.

“We believe rugby is an amazing outlet for all girls in growing confidence, team skills, pride and discipline, and in encouraging healthy bodies and minds.

“The club has continued to grow and, with that, additional demands on kit, equipment and support have also increased to enable more girls to benefit.

“More training equipment will enable the girls to train safely and reduces fear of injury.

“As the section grows, more equipment will be needed for them to benefit from each session.

“Fear of injury can be a barrier for potential players and a range of equipment that enables them to build their skills safely will build confidence in the game and confidence in themselves.

“We want to provide additional match kit for our growing section, building that sense of team and camaraderie with kit they will be proud to wear.

“We want to promote the club and game through creating a campaign to ensure that girls across South East Cornwall are made aware of us, can try out rugby for themselves and realise that it could be for them. This will include working with schools and other clubs, creating exciting imagery that establishes the identity of Liskeard and Looe Girls.

“We also want to be able to support team development over the summer months to keep the confidence high by undertaking some team confidence building at low cost so everyone can participate.

“We additionally want to be able to recruit additional coaches and coaching. We aspire to train the next generation of Cornish female rugby players and maybe, just maybe, see more local girls reach the national and international stage such as Amy Bunt who plays for Cornwall and Ivybridge and Merryn Doidge who plays for Exeter Chiefs and England.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/liskeard-looe-girls-rugby-development-2023