Hot Steppers: Empowering Girls Through Rugby

The Hot Steppers: Empowering Girls Through Rugby program is a bold and inspiring initiative designed to empower girls and young women in Calgary through the transformative power of rugby. More than just a sport, rugby builds confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership — skills that extend far beyond the playing field. This program is committed to breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment where young women can thrive, develop their skills, and embrace lifelong opportunities.

Under this program, participants will not only learn a new sport but also have the opportunity to earn coaching and referee certifications, enabling them to lead and contribute to rugby development in their communities. This approach ensures that participants grow not only as athletes but also as leaders, mentors, and ambassadors for the sport.

Across Calgary, many girls face barriers to sport participation, including financial constraints, limited access to female-focused programs, and outdated perceptions about women in contact sports. The Hot Steppers: Empowering Girls Through Rugby directly addresses these challenges by offering subsidized or free participation, providing quality equipment, and fostering a culture of encouragement and empowerment.

The program targets girls aged 10 to 18 and will deliver dynamic skill-development clinics, inspiring workshops, and mentorship opportunities led by former professional female athletes and coaches. These role models bring exceptional expertise, inspiring stories, and real-life experience that will motivate participants to excel both on and off the field. Through hands-on training and personal mentorship, girls will gain essential rugby skills alongside invaluable life skills such as communication, leadership, discipline, resilience, and self-belief.

The Hot Steppers: Empowering Girls Through Rugby program will benefit girls and young women aged 10 to 18 across Calgary, especially those facing financial, social, or cultural barriers to sport participation. Many young females encounter obstacles such as limited access to female-focused programs, high costs, lack of safe spaces, and societal perceptions that discourage women from joining contact sports. This program is designed to address these barriers and create equal opportunities for all.

Participants will gain not only rugby skills but also leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence—qualities that extend beyond sport and positively impact academic performance, social engagement, and personal growth. By offering subsidized or free participation, along with providing quality equipment and coaching, the program ensures inclusivity for girls from diverse backgrounds, including newcomers, underrepresented communities, and low-income families.

Beyond the athletes themselves, the program will benefit families by providing a healthy, safe, and empowering activity for their children. Local schools and community organizations will also see increased engagement among youth. Former female professional athletes and coaches will gain opportunities to expand their leadership and mentorship roles, further contributing to the growth of women’s sport locally.

Ultimately, the program will cultivate a stronger, more inclusive rugby community in Calgary, inspiring a new generation of female athletes, leaders, and mentors. By empowering young women through sport, the Hot Steppers initiative will create lasting social impact and inspire participants to contribute positively to their communities.