Rugby-playing Year 10 student Charlotte Kingham is still riding high after her team’s championship win just over a week ago. In her last season in the under 15s, Charlotte is enjoying her sport and looking to the future and what it might bring.
The championship win took place in the national RFU finals held at Worcester Sixways premiership stadium on 5 May. She was playing for local team Barkers’ Butts RFU when the 12-20 victory against Welwyn RFC took place.
Although both teams played exceptionally, Barkers’ Butts got off to a good start with a try and successful conversion within the first 10 minutes of the game. By half time the score was even at 12-12 so the pressure was on both sides to break away. Close to the end of the game when the score was a nail-biting 12-17, Barkers’ were awarded a penalty at the 22 line from which they successfully scored. Within a couple of minutes is was all over and Charlotte had helped to captain her team to victory.
“As soon as the final whistle went, we started celebrating! It was the best end to the season we could have had,” said Charlotte.
Charlotte’s interest in Rugby began when she was in Year 7 at Heart of England with PE teacher Miss Sykes. She went on to join Barkers’ Butts where she became a skilled prop. She has become team captain this year and also captains the Warwickshire County team. The role involves leading match warm-ups and boosting team moral. “I do the pre-match pep talks to get the team hyped up and take the lead to get everyone focused,” said Charlotte.
This is the last season as an under 15 for the young player and she will be moving up to the under 18s team at Barkers’. She has also been put forward by Warwickshire County for academy trials which is the next step up from County level.
Speaking about the future, Charlotte said: “I want to go professional, starting at Hartpury College and to continue a career in Rugby. I love the thrill and excitement of the games.”
Heart of England head of PE Nic Sykes said: “We’re very proud of Charlotte and we wish her all the very best going forward in her sport for which she has massive potential!”