SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight | Tyler Stevenson

Tyler primarily works with the under 10 and 12 age groups at Starthendrink RFC. Focusing on growing grassroots girls’ rugby, Tyler has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for young girls to play in the same gender teams and compete in competitions.

Over the past two years, Tyler has worked to grow the U10 and U12 Strathendrick girls’ teams from only a few players to now around 20 who are in regular attendance at games and training. He has created a strong network between clubs in his local area and beyond to provide girls with regular games this season.

Tyler was nominated for this award by two people, further highlighting his impact in the rugby community.

Kirsty Bell—one of Tyler’s nominators—praised Tyler for the enthusiasm and passion he has shown for girls’ rugby.

“I am absolutely delighted that Tyler is being recognised at a wider level for the amazing work he has done developing girls rugby at the U10 and U12 level,” Kirsty said.

“Alongside all the amazing rugby experiences he has provided for Strathendrick U10/U12 girls, Tyler has also ensured that girls in many other local clubs have had regular opportunities to play rugby.

“Tyler will no doubt praise everyone else and suggest that he has done nothing out of the ordinary, but his family, fellow coaches and all of our rugby players know different, and now, thanks to Glasgow Warriors, everyone else does too!”

As part of exposing his players to professional rugby, Tyler organised a club tour to Cardiff to watch Scotland Women play against Wales in the Women’s Six Nations. The U12 team also took part in a festival where they played against other local teams in Wales.

Tyler’s second nominator Steven McCooey echoed all the positive sentiments that Kirsty emphasised.

Steven stressed Tyler’s importance in the organisation and fundraising that enabled Starthendrink U12 girls to complete their rugby tour in Cardiff: “Tyler’s vision, planning, fundraising and implementation has seen this tour be a great success, creating lifelong memories for the girls and their families.”

As part of his recognition, Tyler will be attending our next home game against the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Friday 19 April.

Tyler commended his fellow coaches at Strathendrick to grow grassroots girls’ rugby.

“Working with other Strathendrick RFC coaches and multiple clubs across the Glasgow (North/South), East, and CaliMidland regions, we put together an U12 and U10 girls only festival series.

“The current model has girls having to mix in with boys, which only a few players will do. Once we offered the opportunity to play with only girls, our numbers increased. We now have full teams. Other clubs that provide only girls rugby have full teams. We simply gave girls the opportunity to play.”