It began with a conversation on the touchline. Now, Jo Sweales and Cara Chambers are helping shape the future of women’s and girls’ rugby at Farnham Rugby Club.

The pair first met as mums watching their daughters play. Neither had much experience of rugby themselves, but a shared love of the sport and a suggestion from Cara to try touch rugby soon drew them onto the pitch.

“We were watching a game of touch rugby and it was Cara who said, “Jo, do you fancy having a go?’”. She said “We run around with a ball. How difficult can that be?”

What started as a bit of fun grew into a much bigger commitment. They began helping with coaching, gained qualifications and became increasingly involved in the club. Today, Jo leads the women’s section, while Cara heads up the girls’ section.

For them, having women in coaching and leadership roles is important because it gives girls visible role models and someone they can approach as they grow up.

“You can bring a different perspective, especially with young girls,” Jo explained. “I think it’s important to have female role models in different roles in the club and also someone to go to.”

Their inclusive approach is already making a difference to players of all ages.

Vicky started playing because she wanted to understand the game her two daughters enjoyed and be able to join in with them. She also believes seeing their mum take up rugby helped give her daughters confidence.

Sophie, meanwhile, arrived at Farnham after years playing football. Having become unhappy with the sport, she decided to try rugby and quickly found a new sporting home. After just one month, she had played two matches and scored two tries.

She has been struck by how supportive the environment is, particularly when learning unfamiliar skills.

“Rugby is very physical, but there's no anger in it,” she said. “Everyone has been lovely.”

For Niamh, the club has provided a pathway from junior rugby into the women's team. She found the transition from the under-18s easier because younger players had opportunities to train alongside older teammates. Although she is heading to university, she hopes to keep playing and sees Farnham as somewhere she can return.

That pathway is one of Jo and Cara's priorities. They recognise that leaving school, going to university or starting work can make it difficult for young women to stay involved in sport. They want the club to remain a welcoming place throughout those changes.

They are also keen to make clear that rugby is not an all-or-nothing commitment. Players can build confidence at their own pace, with no pressure to play contact rugby or take part in matches before they are ready.

The club still faces grassroots challenges, particularly having enough players to fulfil fixtures and connecting school rugby with local clubs. But Jo and Cara are working to create more opportunities through school links, taster sessions and support from across Farnham.

And playing is only one way to belong. Coaching, refereeing and volunteering are all encouraged, even for people who have never played.

Their own journey began by watching from the sidelines. Now, they are helping make sure more women and girls can find their place in the game.